Poilievre announces auto plan aiming for tariff-free access to U.S. market

By The Canadian Press Mar 15, 2026 | 4:00 AM

WINDSOR — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has unveiled a new auto plan aiming to secure tariff-free access to the U.S. market.The plan would harmonize tailpipe emissions reductions with the U.S., and align Canada with the United States on Chinese tariffs in a move meant to give Canada leverage in trade talks.

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Poilievre would also implement a rule where for each car produced in Canada, the same manufacturer would be able to sell a U.S. or Mexico-made car in Canada duty-free.

The plan, announced in Windsor on Sunday, aims to increase Canadian auto production to two million vehicles over the next decade, up from 1.2 million last year.

The auto plan would also remove the GST from Canadian-made vehicles, end the Liberal government’s electric vehicle subsidies, and ban vehicles that use Chinese or Russian-connected software.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have levied tariffs on the auto industry, saying they want to force vehicle manufacturers to move their production to the United States

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2026

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press