QSA's Week in Automotive (#8, 2025)
Vehicle emissions rules updated; Canadian biofuel content increase; Manufacturing sales up; Nova Scotia tire import inquiry; Ontario officials discuss tariffs.

Start Date: 2025-02-22
End Date: 2025-02-28
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Canadian Emission Regulations Adjusted
The Department of the Environment has issued an interim order modifying regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. This adjustment aligns certain Canadian vehicle emission standards with U.S. regulations following a final rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in April 2024. These changes affect medium-duty passenger vehicles, automobiles, and heavy-duty vehicle emissions.
Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca
Manufacturing Sales Increase Noted
Statistics Canada's advance indicator for January shows a 2.0% increase in manufacturing sales, driven largely by the motor vehicle industry and primary metal subsector. This rise signals a positive trend for the automotive manufacturing sector.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Nova Scotia Calls for Tire Import Investigation
Nova Scotia's Premier Tim Houston has requested the Canada Border Services Agency to investigate tire imports from China, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The province argues these imports are affecting local jobs and calls for an anti-dumping investigation under the Special Import Measures Act.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca
B.C. Strengthens Biofuel Content Regulations
British Columbia will increase its Canadian biofuel content requirements effective January 2026. The renewable fuel requirement for gasoline will be met with Canadian-produced biofuels, with diesel content increasing to 8% by April 2025. This amendment aims to stabilize the biofuel market and support local producers.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Auto Sector Officials Tackle U.S. Tariff Threats
François-Philippe Champagne and Irek Kusmierczyk met with Ontario auto mayors to address concerns over potential U.S. tariffs. The discussions focused on coordinating responses to protect Canadian workers and businesses in the auto industry.
Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
Wholesale Trade Sees Growth in Auto Parts Sector
Wholesale sales rose 1.8% in January, with a notable increase in the motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector, as reported by Statistics Canada.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Canada-UK Vehicle Export Policies
Global Affairs Canada outlines policies for exporting vehicles to the United Kingdom under the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement, potentially affecting auto exports.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca
Provincial Announcements
B.C. Consumer Protection Laws Overhauled
B.C. is amending consumer protection laws to combat predatory sales practices and enhance transparency in contract terms, affecting vehicle sales contracts.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
Irek Kusmierczyk Discusses Tariff Response
MP Irek Kusmierczyk mentions meeting with Ontario auto mayors to address the U.S. tariff threat, highlighting the leadership role of mayors.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Chris Lewis on Trade and Manufacturing
MP Chris Lewis visited Circle 5 to discuss the potential impact of tariffs on the local mold and manufacturing industries.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Rechie Valdez Supports Innovative Solar Vehicle Systems
MP Rechie Valdez highlights government-supported CAPSolar's innovations in solar panel systems for vehicles.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Larry Brock Critiques Auto-Theft Laws
MP Larry Brock criticizes current laws after an international auto theft ring arrest, calling for stronger measures against organized crime.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- Affordability and tariffs: The big issues on auto industry insiders’ minds for 2025: Examines challenges faced by the auto industry.
- India Weighs Tariff Cuts on Cars, Chemicals as Trump Duties Loom: Discusses potential tariff changes by India.
- Impact of tariffs on car sales: Analyzes the effects of tariffs on vehicle sales.
- Can the U.S. auto industry survive without Canada? | About That: Explores the interdependence of the U.S. and Canadian auto sectors.