Unifor calls for strict, far-reaching protections on imported Chinese electric vehicles

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling for the federal government to implement a series of tough and comprehensive measures as part of ongoing public consultations on protecting Canadian autoworkers from China's unfair electric vehicle trade practices.

"Canada has everything we need to build the electric vehicles of the future in our own backyard, including a highly-skilled workforce, deep roots in auto manufacturing, and the critical minerals needed to supply the industry," added Payne. "The United States and the European Union have responded proactively to the threat posed by unfair imports and now it's time for Canada to do the same."

Unifor's recommendations call on the federal government to implement comprehensive rules, surtaxes and enforcement mechanisms that bring Canada into alignment with policies proposed by the United States and sufficiently protect the country's growing electric vehicle supply chain. The union's recommended measures include:

• Imposing a surtax above existing tariff rates on Chinese-made electric vehicles of 100%, batteries of 25%, and critical minerals of 25%, all of which bring Canada in line with measures proposed by the United States.
• Protecting Canada's supply chain transition with additional surtaxes on critical component parts from China, including electric motors and battery cell material.
• Extending and expanding EV purchasing incentives for Canadians and disqualifying vehicles that are subject to a surtax under section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act.
• Including "connected vehicle" technology among the list of sensitive areas for foreign investment reviews and monitor the outcomes of an ongoing U.S. investigation into information and communications technology (ICT) in vehicles.
• Equipping Canada's border services officials with resources and guidance to withhold goods crossing the border suspected of forced labour, including from China.

"Working-class communities all across Canada have been hurt before by governments that have signed unfair trade deals or failed to listen to workers and organized labour," added Payne. "Canada must implement these recommendations in order to protect good auto jobs and build a more prosperous, fairer, cleaner and resilient economy for all."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor