Official Statement from Ryan Donally, President & CEO, Windsor‑Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s new national auto strategy is a balanced and forward‑looking plan that strengthens our region’s position in the global automotive industry. By replacing the previous EV sales mandate with stronger, more flexible emissions standards, the federal government is maintaining ambition while giving manufacturers room to stay competitive—targeting 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040.
The return of federal EV incentives—up to $5,000 for electric vehicles and $2,500 for plug‑in hybrids—will help make clean transportation more affordable for Canadians while prioritizing Canadian‑made vehicles.
Major investments in infrastructure, including $1.5 billion for charging and hydrogen refueling and a national electricity strategy to double grid capacity, show a strong commitment to supporting long‑term EV adoption.
This strategy will also strengthen Windsor‑Essex’s economic momentum as rising consumer demand drives new product releases and model refresh cycles. Our region historically booms when automakers launch new platforms—bringing overtime, supplier ramp-ups, tool‑and‑die demand, and increased cross‑border activity. By stabilizing investment, encouraging innovation, and supporting EV affordability, today’s plan helps ensure that Windsor‑Essex captures the full benefit of the next wave of automotive growth.
We also welcome the continued use of strategic tax incentives, including the Productivity Super‑Deduction and reduced corporate tax rates for zero‑emission technology manufacturers—tools that have already given Canada the lowest marginal effective tax rate on investment in the G7, helping attract clean technology and zero emission manufacturing.
Finally, with up to 66,000 workers receiving transition and reskilling support, this strategy puts people at the center of industrial transformation.
The Windsor‑Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce supports this strategy as a practical and competitiveness‑driven plan that positions our region—and Canada—to lead in the next generation of automotive manufacturing.