Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz speaks with media in 2025
Courtesy Government of Alberta
Alberta’s Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz has launched a scathing critique of the federal government’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, urging its immediate repeal in a video statement shared on social media on August 25.
The mandate, part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader climate strategy, requires 20% of new vehicle sales to be EVs by 2026, escalating to 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035, as detailed in recent policy documents.
Schulz argues the policy is “unworkable,” citing practical challenges such as high EV costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and reduced vehicle range in winter conditions.
“It will make winter driving unreliable and leave Canadians stuck,” she warned, pointing to a decline in EV sales from 18% to just 6% of total vehicle sales in Canada. She also highlighted potential job losses in the auto industry, with major manufacturers like Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, and Stellantis opposing the mandate.
A letter from these companies to Carney demands its “urgent repeal,” warning of “serious damage on automakers, the dealership network, and the hundreds of thousands of Canadians employed in the sector.”
The backlash extends beyond industry, with mayors from 48 Ontario towns echoing concerns, stating the mandate “jeopardizes jobs and investments in our communities.”
Schulz criticized the federal government’s divided stance, noting Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s openness to adjustments, while Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin refuses to reconsider, declaring, “We will not repeal the mandate under any circumstances.”
The debate intensifies as Alberta explores alternative energy strategies, such as nuclear power, amidst growing demands for energy reliability and affordability.