Canada commits to zero-emission only vehicle sales by 2035

The Canadian Government has announced it wants to bring forward its plan to achieve zero-emission vehicle sales from 2040 to 2035, aiming at eliminating internal combustion engine sales within 14 years.

With the plan being implemented in stages, Canada’s ultimate aim is to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with vehicles currently making up around one quarter of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Canadian Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, says an CAD$8 billion (AU$8.6bn) investment into clean energy production in the automotive industry will help the country to achieve its zero-emission vehicles goal.

“Only bold climate policies lead to bold results,” said Alghabra.

“Through measures aimed at accelerating the transition to 100 per cent zero-emission vehicles sales, we will continue building a cleaner and more resilient economy, while also creating good jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.

“We will also continue to support the automotive sector, including through our investment of $8 billion to accelerate the industrial transition.”

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed the announcement on Twitter, saying he believes it’s the best way forward for the nation’s economy and environment.

“That’s right – by 2035, all new cars and passenger trucks sold must be zero-emission,” he tweeted.

“That’s how we’ll build a cleaner, stronger economy [which] both creates good jobs and cuts down pollution.”

Although Canada doesn’t have any major vehicle manufacturers to call its own, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota all have plants in the country.