Will Canada join the U.S. in a tariff battle against Chinese EV imports?

The Canadian government appears set to push back against the explosive growth in Chinese electric vehicle imports by joining its allies in a tariff battle that risks triggering retaliation from Beijing.

On Thursday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called on the federal government to «immediately match or exceed U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, including at least a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.»

«Taking every advantage of low labour standards and dirty energy, China is flooding the market with artificially cheap electric vehicles. Unless we act fast, we risk Ontario and Canadian jobs,» the premier said in a media statement.

Several hours later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared to agree.

«Doug Ford and I, the Ontario government and the government of Canada, have worked closely together over the past years to build one of the strongest electric vehicle ecosystems in the world here in Canada,» the prime minister told reporters in Nova Scotia.

«We are watching closely what the Americans and other allies have done. We will look very carefully at what steps need to be taken to ensure that the Canadian auto industry and Canadian consumers are well supported in years to come.»

So does that mean a Canadian decision to impose tariffs and remain in lockstep with its top ally and trading partner is imminent?

When CBC News followed up with Trade Minister Mary Ng's office, they said Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is leading this file. Freeland discussed this issue Monday evening over dinner with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

«China has an intentional, state-directed policy of over-capacity,» Freeland's spokesperson Katherine Cuplinskas wrote in an email. «We are actively considering next steps to counter Chinese