Federal New Democrat Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced a bold plan that aims to prioritize Canadian workers and jobs, particularly in the auto industry. Singh stated that an NDP government would reintroduce electric vehicle rebates, with Canadians receiving a $5,000 rebate for purchasing an electric vehicle, which would double to $10,000 if the vehicle is made in Canada. This move comes after the previous rebate was eliminated by the Liberals due to the iZEV program running out of funds.
In addition to the electric vehicle rebates, Singh also took a strong stance against President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He warned that if Trump were to launch a trade war against Canada, the NDP would retaliate by imposing a 100% tariff on all Tesla vehicles. Singh criticized Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for accepting Musk’s endorsement, stating that it revealed where his allegiances lie.
Singh’s Build Canadian Buy Canadian plan aims to safeguard Canadian auto jobs by giving preference to Canadian-made products in government contracts, supporting union jobs, and increasing Canadian content requirements. During an interview with CNN, Singh expressed concerns about the potential job losses and uncertainty that could arise from Trump’s trade war, emphasizing the importance of protecting auto workers and their families.
Regarding Tesla and Musk, Singh adopted a tough stance, proposing a 100% tariff on Tesla vehicles to directly target Musk. He also suggested cutting off the supply of critical minerals needed for Tesla’s batteries, further challenging Musk and his company. Singh made it clear that he is prepared to take action against Tesla and Musk if necessary.
While Singh has supported Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, he has indicated that the NDP will bring down the federal government and support a non-confidence motion when Parliament reconvenes. Singh’s firm stance against Trump and Musk demonstrates his commitment to defending Canadian workers and industries in the face of potential threats.