According to a new national survey conducted by Leger, a majority of Canadians (61%) support allowing more Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to be sold in Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last month that Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) into the market annually.
While support is clear, concerns remain around vehicle quality, data security, and the broader trade relationship between Canada, China, and the United States.
Support for Chinese Electric Vehicles in Canada
Overall, 61% of Canadians support the federal government’s decision to allow more chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market, including 24% who strongly support the move and 38% who somewhat support it. Twenty-three percent oppose the decision, while 16% are undecided.
“Canadians have changed their views radically in the past 12 months on just how we view our relationship with China, and this is just one example of that,” said Steve Mossop, Leger’s executive vice-president for Western Canada, in an interview with CTV News.
Support is significantly higher in Quebec at 72%, among men, and among Canadians aged 55 and over.
Seven in ten Canadians are aware of the recent Canada–China tariff agreement related to electric vehicles, with awareness rising to 85% among those aged 55 and over.
Public Concerns About Chinese EVs
Although most Canadians support allowing more chinese electric vehicles, 75% of those polled had at least one concern. Top concerns include:
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- Vehicle quality and durability (38%)
- Impact on the Canadian auto industry (38%)
- Data security and privacy (33%)
- Vehicle safety (29%)
- Geopolitical or national security risks related to China (27%)
Concerns about the impact on the Canadian auto sector are significantly higher in Ontario, where 45% cite this issue. We must remember that Ontario Premier Doug Ford is one of the most vocal opponents of new low-cost Chinese vehicles coming to Canada, encouraging consumers to boycott them.
U.S. – Canada Trade Tensions and Public Opinion
The survey also explored reactions to potential U.S. retaliation if Canada strengthens trade ties with China. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians, 63%, say they are concerned about possible U.S. tariff retaliation. Concern rose to 71% among respondents who opposed allowing more Chinese EVs into Canada.
Mossop said he found it interesting that 30% respondents reported they were not concerned about possible U.S. blowback. For him, that number would have been lower six or eight months ago, when fears about American tariffs were more widespread across the country.
However, 57% oppose limiting trade with China to avoid U.S. economic retaliation.
Is Canada’s 2035 EV Mandate Realistic?
Two-thirds of Canadians (67%), believe it is unrealistic that only electric vehicles will be sold in Canada by 2035. Skepticism is particularly high among Canadians aged 55 and over, while younger Canadians are more likely to see the target as achievable.
Methodology
This online survey was conducted among 1,570 Canadians aged 18 or older, between January 30 to February 2, 2026. Respondents were recruited through LEO’s online panel. Results were weighted by age, gender, mother tongue, region, education, and presence of children in the household to ensure national representation.
A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of ±2.47%, 19 times out of 20.
