Alberta government to closely watch new federal emissions rules after EV mandate repeal

The Alberta government says it will closely monitor the federal government’s upcoming vehicle emissions regulations after Ottawa formally moved to scrap a controversial electric vehicle sales mandate introduced under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The federal mandate would have required zero-emission vehicles to make up at least 20 per cent of new vehicle sales across Canada this year. Ottawa has now moved to repeal the mandate in favour of stricter vehicle emissions regulations, which Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to finalize.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the federal decision, calling the cancellation a “clear victory for Albertans.” Smith said the outcome was achieved in large part because of the Alberta government’s advocacy against the mandate.

“From the day this mandate was imposed, Alberta warned it was unrealistic, unaffordable and unworkable,” Smith and Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said in a joint statement.

The province says it will continue to pay close attention to the federal government’s next steps, particularly as Ottawa develops the new emissions standards.