🚗 The EV Sales Mandate: Why It Matters for Kitchener Centre Nearly 50 Ontario mayors,…

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/