QSA's Week in Automotive (#12, 2025)
Competition Bureau adjusts merger review fee; MPs weight in on 25%; New Brunswick ends EV incentives.
Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, and others in the automotive industry.
Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29
Top Headlines
Main Stories
New Brunswick to End Electric Vehicle Incentive
The New Brunswick government will terminate its Electric Vehicle Incentive Program on July 1, 2025, due to the federal rebate program pause, shifting focus to expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
Alberta Criticizes Federal Emissions Plan
Alberta's government critiques the federal emissions plan citing economic drawbacks, including a projected 11% GDP reduction and $3,300 less disposable income per person by 2050.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Québec Budget 2025-2026 Tax System Changes
Québec's new budget introduces tax system changes, including replacing the CDAE tax credit with one focusing on AI, and withdrawing incentives for electric vehicles.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
Competition Bureau Adjusts Merger Review Filing Fee
The Competition Bureau Canada announced an increase in the filing fee for merger reviews from $86,358.76 to $88,690.45, effective April 1, 2025. This adjustment is in line with the annual Service Fees Act revision. The fee applies to entities notifying the Bureau of mergers or requesting an Advance Ruling Certificate. The Bureau evaluates such transactions to assess their impact on market competition, which is crucial for businesses involved in mergers or acquisitions.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Amendment to the Export Control List
Global Affairs Canada has issued an order amending the Export Control List, reflecting changes in regulations that could affect auto part exports.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Francesco Sorbara on Auto Sector Tariffs
MP Francesco Sorbara expressed concern about auto supply chains amid threats to the economy, calling for decisive action alongside allies to bolster the sector.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Sonia Sidhu on Auto Manufacturing
MP Sonia Sidhu advocated for Canadian innovation and resources to lead the future of auto manufacturing domestically.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Ruby Sahota on Tariff Impacts
MP Ruby Sahota criticized President Trump's tariffs, asserting that a Liberal government would protect Canadian auto jobs with a new strategic plan.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Senator Leo Housakos Questions PM's Response
Senator Leo Housakos questioned PM Mark Carney's engagement with President Trump following the imposition of auto tariffs.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
