July 23, 2024 – A new poll by Pollara of 801 Canadians living in the 20 federal ridings with auto or auto parts manufacturing plants shows 51% support and 31% oppose the Canadian government placing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs receiving Chinese government subsidies.
This comes as the Canadian government consults on whether to follow the US in imposing tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.
There is cross-partisan support for these tariffs, with the majority of Liberal (support 58% / oppose 28%) and Conservative (support 63% / oppose 26%) voters in these ridings supportive.
This support for tariffs is driven by concern for Canada’s auto-industry. When survey respondents are asked to choose between competing arguments, twice as many feel Canada should restrict Chinese EVs in order to protect Canadian auto industry jobs (52%) versus the share who say Canada should welcome EVs as a way for Canada to reduce emissions in an affordable way (25%).
See the full details in our report.
