Domestic EV Jobs and Manufacturing Capacity

Focus on attracting more investment to accelerate EV manufacturing and related industries in Canada, including assembly, parts, machinery, charging equipment, and battery materials extraction/processing with a “Canadian EV Economic Development and Investment Attraction Strategy.” Building these industries will create good sustainable jobs and raise the profile of EVs to further support their adoption in Canada.

Canada should focus its efforts on accelerating technologies, research, development, and manufacturing associated with reducing the costs of vehicle batteries and thus vehicle costs per unit of range. Achieving economies of scale in vehicle, battery and charging infrastructure production will also help to reduce costs for consumers and fleets. 

Finally, to keep Canada competitive, create new financial instruments to support domestic EV-related R&D and manufacturing, including MHDV, off-road, marine and rail vehicles and ecosystems. 

EVs are far less complicated machines than gas vehicles. Work with provinces to revamp the vehicle mechanic curriculum to prioritize EVs by fast-tracking training for EV mechanics, and provide them with more apprenticeship opportunities.

Building a labor force with the right skills– from engineering and research, electrical and mechanical, charging infrastructure installation, maintenance, and fleet management–will be critical to the success of Canada’s transition to a zero carbon economy. Explore opportunities for the government to support employers, whether traditional industry or all-EV, to train new employees who have not previously worked in the EV industry. Maintain existing funding commitments for training and re-training.

Work with the US Administration to ensure that any “Buy America” policies reflect the North American auto market and do not negatively impact Canadian EV businesses or suppliers. Collaborate with the U.S. to build a North American EV industry and supply chain.

Support electrification at mining locations across Canada and promote sustainable mining development and operations, particularly in relation to minerals and metals needed for the ZEV supply chain in Canada and other jurisdictions.  

Modernize the legislative and regulatory framework to facilitate the transportation of used and end-of-life batteries to encourage battery recovery, repurposing, remanufacturing, and recycling in an integrated North American market.