100% Tariffs on China’s EVs: Is this Canada’s “Just Transition”?

The Liberal government recently imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). What‘s at stake in this move? Is this simply another attempt to cozy up to America‘s new cold war against China? Is it an attempt to gain support from autoworkers in the leadup to the next federal election? EVs may not be the only answer to the climate catastrophe we face today, but are they part of the solution? Panelists discuss Canada-China relations and the environment.

Sam Gindin is co-author (with the late Leo Panitch) of The Making of Global Capitalism (Verso) and the former research director of the Canadian Auto Workers from 1974-2000.

Elizabeth May is the co-leader of the Green Party and represents the Vancouver Island riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands on the territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. She has worked as a lawyer and government policy advisor and was the executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada for 17 years.

Gobind Dhugee is currently pursuing a JD at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and recently completed an MA in Political Economy with a Specialization in Work and Labour from Carleton University. His current research explores the relationship between labour and environmental movements in Canada, with particular attention to the auto industry.

Moderated by Bianca Mugyenyi. Co-sponsored by Canada-China Focus, and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute.

Recorded 19 September 2024.