Economist believes Canada must choose between protecting the auto sector or the environment [Video]

Canadians have until midnight Thursday to submit their thoughts on whether or not Canada should impose import tariffs on electric vehicles made in China.

On July 2, the federal government launched a 30-day consultation period in response to “unfair Chinese trade practices in electric vehicles”.

The government accuses China of an “intentional state-directed policy of overcapacity and lack of rigorous labour and environmental standards,” according to the consultation website.

“It’s important for us to put up something to hold the Chinese back,” Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association told CTV News this week. “The Chinese are ready to flood our markets at a time when Western companies are worried about profitability.”

Volpe fears if there are no tariffs on Chinese EV imports, Canada will end up like Australia.

“(Australia) had a healthy domestic (auto) market and then decided to open it to the Chinese. And there are no Australian …