Unifor calls for national auto strategy, dedicated ministry to capture EV potential

Unifor also says it’s important to build up capacity for battery materials and electric vehicle components, and to provide transition support for auto parts suppliers and workers that could take a hit in the transition to electric vehicles.

The policy recommendations comes as the U.S. moves toward passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that will see billions of dollars devoted to EV subsidies that are expected to boost demand for zero emission vehicles and benefit the highly integrated North American auto market.

Canada already has federal incentives for electric vehicles, but Unifor is calling for increased incentives as well as a trade-in rebate program and increased spending on a charging network to boost demand.