Federal New Democrat Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh in Canada says an NDP government would bring back electric vehicle rebates while punishing Tesla with a 100% tariff if President Donald Trump launches a trade war against Canada.
“My top priority is workers and jobs,” Singh said Monday, announcing that Canadians would once again get a $5,000 rebate for buying an electric vehicle—doubled to $10,000 if the car is made in Canada. The previous rebate was scrapped by the Liberals in January as the iZEV program ran out of funds.
Singh also took aim at Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is working alongside the President. If Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian goods, Singh says the NDP would hit back by slapping a 100% tariff on all Tesla vehicles. He also criticized Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for accepting Musk’s endorsement, saying, “he’s really showing who he stands with.”
Singh’s Build Canadian Buy Canadian plan aims to protect Canadian auto jobs by favoring Canadian-made products in government contracts, boosting union jobs, and increasing Canadian content requirements.
During a CNN interview, Singh slammed Trump’s trade war, warning that Canadian workers could face job losses and uncertainty. He said his plan would ensure auto workers can keep their jobs and continue supporting their families. “If you’re buying, buy Canadian. Support Canadian auto workers. Support Canadian auto jobs,” he urged.
As for Tesla and Musk? Singh talked tough by saying, “What I would do is put in place a 100% tariff on Tesla, directly targeting Elon Musk. Because Elon Musk is probably touting this idea of the 51st state, so let’s hit back at Elon Musk.”
“I’ve also said we should shut down the supply of critical minerals. Another move that directly targets Elon Musk and his Tesla company, the batteries that he needs require these critical minerals. We’ve got tools, and we should be ready to use them,” said Singh, who has propped up Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government for the longest time. He has yet to bring down the federal government and support a non-confidence motion. With Parliament prorogued, he says the NDP will do so at the first opportunity, but Singh has always been quick to change his mind.
“It’s not something that we wanted to do, but if Donald Trump wants to bring this fight, know that we are ready. I’m putting Donald Trump on notice,” said Singh.
Here we have JAGMEET SINGH 🇨🇦 placing threats on Elon Musk and Donald Trump live on CNN. This will only hurt Canadians. Very bad move 🤯🫣 pic.twitter.com/YmXsamOeYL
— Melissa 🇨🇦 (@MelissaLMRogers) February 10, 2025
