Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Incentives
Speech
April 11, 2022
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Hi everyone,
I would first like to acknowledge that the lands on which we are meeting are part of the traditional unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka nation, which has long served as a place of gathering and exchange between nations.
A few weeks ago, we signed an agreement with Ontario for early learning and child care. This means that families across the country will have access to affordable child care.
But this is nothing new here in Quebec. In fact, Quebec was a pioneer in affordable child care more than 20 years ago.
And since you have been pioneers in child care centres and clean electricity, Quebec now has the opportunity to position itself as a world leader in the clean technologies field.
The energy transition is the most significant global economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution. And we have everything we need in Canada to take advantage of this transition.
Our recent budget proposes the introduction of the new Canada Growth Fund. It will attract billions of dollars in private capital that are required to transform our economy at high speed and on a large scale.
And with an investment of $3.8 billion for Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, we will contribute to the growth of this sector in Canada.
And this is why I am so pleased to be here today to talk about our plan to reduce emissions from transportation. With an investment of $1.7 billion, the federal government is making it easier for Canadians to buy an electric vehicle by providing incentives of up to $5,000.
We will also make sure companies transition to electric trucks before 2040.
And we are proposing to invest $900 million to build a network of charging stations that Canadians can rely on, no matter where they go.
In concrete terms, this means that in a few years’ time Canadians will be driving electric cars made in Ontario, and electric trucks and buses made in Quebec. These vehicles will be made with Canadian aluminum, steel and critical minerals. They will be powered by batteries made in Windsor or Bécancour. And we will charge them with charging stations made in Canada, such as those manufactured by AddÉnergie.
The green transition is an economic necessity, but it is also an existential challenge.
For our children, it will mean cleaner air and water tomorrow. And that will translate into good jobs for Canadians today.