EV – mackaycartoons

Friday March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 28, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Canada’s EV shift: Beyond U.S. trade ties

February 5, 2025

As the North American auto sector faces unprecedented challenges, spurred in large part by former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies, Canada finds itself at a crossroads. Trump’s strategy to fortify a domesticated American auto industry has sent ripples across borders, prompting Canada to reconsider its economic alliances and environmental commitments. In light of these developments, it may be time for Canada to chart a new course, embracing a green future that welcomes electric vehicles (EVs) from Europe and even China.

News: Carney calls Trump’s tariffs on vehicles ‘a direct attack’ on Canada and its auto workers

February 7, 2025

Trump’s approach to the auto industry, characterized by protectionism and high tariffs, has created an unstable environment for Canadian automakers. With tariffs on steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles, Canada faces increasing costs and competitive disadvantages, threatening the viability of its auto sector. The U.S. administration’s focus on bringing manufacturing back to American soil has left Canada with dwindling options and a pressing need to diversify its economic partnerships.

In this context, the opportunity to rethink Canada’s green future is both timely and necessary. The global shift towards sustainable transportation presents a chance for Canada to align its policies with environmental goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner energy. Electric vehicles are at the forefront of this movement, and international manufacturers offer promising alternatives.

February 5, 2025

European EVs: Europe has long been a leader in environmental regulations and innovation, producing high-quality electric vehicles that meet stringent standards. By strengthening ties with European automakers, Canada can benefit from advanced technology and sustainable practices, positioning itself as a leader in the green transition.

Chinese EVs: China, with its rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology, presents another viable option. Companies like BYD have made significant strides, offering affordable, environmentally friendly vehicles that could significantly boost EV adoption in Canada. Despite political tensions, the economic and environmental benefits of engaging with Chinese manufacturers are compelling.

News: China wants more trade with Canada, envoy says amid U.S. tariffs

Friday February 7, 2025

It is clear that maintaining the status quo with the U.S. is no longer sustainable for Canada’s auto industry. The need to pursue independent economic policies that prioritize Canada’s interests has never been more apparent. By reconsidering tariffs and fostering partnerships with Europe and China, Canada can secure its place in the global green economy.

This strategic realignment would not only support Canada’s environmental objectives but also provide consumers with more choices and competitive pricing. Allowing more affordable EVs into the Canadian market would accelerate the transition from gasoline vehicles, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

Analysis: Should Canada ease its 100% tariff on electric vehicles from China amid trade war with U.S.?

December 19, 2024

As Canada stands at the precipice of change, the decision to embrace a new path is not just an economic necessity but an opportunity to lead in the fight against climate change. By welcoming European and Chinese electric vehicles, Canada can redefine its future, ensuring a resilient and sustainable auto industry that aligns with its environmental values. In this pivotal moment, Canada has the chance to set a precedent for innovation and collaboration, paving the way for a truly green future.

A Green Lining?

As I sat down to sketch this editorial cartoon, I can’t help but feel like I’m venturing into risky, perhaps even crazy, territory. Our usual product is cynicism, and there’s plenty of that to go around with the grim prospect of Trump’s trade tariffs threatening to decimate the Canadian auto sector. Trump’s intentions seem clear, telegraphed with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra of chaos. But as I contemplate the future, a flicker of opportunity emerges – in tandem with the silver lining that’s rallied Canadians around the flag.

Before the Biden administration pressured Canada into imposing tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, there was an intriguing development. The President of Ford Canada couldn’t hide his admiration for a Chinese model. According to Car and Driver, Ford CEO Jim Farley, in a surprising confession, revealed that he had been driving a Xiaomi SU7, imported from Shanghai, and he didn’t want to give it up. His words, a radical acknowledgment of the competitive threat posed by Chinese automakers like Xiaomi and BYD, resonate in this new reality.

While politicians play the wait-and-see game with Trump, wondering if his tariff brinkmanship is mere leverage or a harbinger of “Liberation Day” on April 2nd, the consequences loom large. If Trump’s gambit unfolds as feared, the carnage will be swift and severe, leaving American car sales in Canada in tatters. They’ll become costly relics, fossil-fuelled dinosaurs in an era that increasingly favours electric innovation.

It’s hard to imagine this scenario just months ago, but here we are. The idea of embracing Chinese EVs doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. They’re electric, highly rated, and affordable. In contrast, our closest ally has turned adversarial, seemingly intent on causing harm. The notion of leaning into a new partnership, once unthinkable, now seems like a reasonable course of action in a world reshaped by Trump’s unpredictable maneuvers.

As I draw, I embrace the riskiness of these thoughts. Maybe it’s crazy, but in the unfolding new reality that Trump is orchestrating, it doesn’t seem so outlandish after all.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for March 27, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Letter to the Editor, The Toronto Star, Thursday April 3, 2025

Exhaust-pipe dreams – Canada’s EV shift, Mar. 31

Thursday April 3, 2025

Cartoonist Graeme MacKay nailed it. The North American auto sector doesn’t care about EVs — except to the extent that EVs threaten their lucrative business of keeping internal combustion engines running. In this, it has found common cause with the fossil fuel industry, which also stands to lose out as the public increasingly recognizes the superiority of EVs.

We see evidence for the North American auto sector’s duplicity in its move to change its rapid-charging standard from the global Combined Charging System to Tesla’s previously proprietary plug, a move that makes no sense except as a tactic to dissuade people from purchasing EVs. Yet it does provide an opening for the Canadian government to fight back in U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, by insisting that all EVs made in Canada use CCS and that all new EVs sold in Canada be compatible with CCS.

Of course, that would require a federal government that’s willing to stand up to corporate interests, so it won’t happen.

Gary Dale, Toronto

Cartoons of Confrontation

March 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

The Trump Menace vs. Ford’s Strong Mandate

Saturday March 1, 2025 | Newsletter 18

This week marked a crucial moment in Ontario politics as Premier Doug Ford’s snap election campaign reached its peak. Please hang with me non-Ontario subscribers, there’s plenty covered below that relates to you! As Ford sought a strong mandate to tackle pressing issues, Donald Trump’s influence loomed large, not only through his bull-headed rhetoric on tariffs and annexation against Canada but also through his increasingly disturbing alignment with the tyrannical figure in Vladimir Putin. My editorial cartoons reflected these ongoing debates about housing, electric vehicle investments, and international diplomacy, capturing the tension between regional politics and global threats. Let’s dive into the highlights of the week.

Canada-U.S. Trade Obstructions, Nov. 16, 1935

But first, I love exploring the archives of my editorial cartoonist predecessor, where I found an insightful piece from 90 years ago that resonates today. The cartoon by Ivan Glassco, printed in the Hamilton Spectator, shows Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King and U.S. President Roosevelt breaking through trade barriers, symbolizing cooperation. This reflects their efforts to reduce tariffs through the Canada–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement during the Great Depression. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff earlier had worsened economic conditions by sparking retaliatory tariffs and trade declines. This historic lesson reminds us of the wrong direction we’re heading towards, the complexities and costs of protectionism, underscoring the importance of fostering open trade.

Tuesday, February 25: “The High-Stakes Game of Politics”

The above cartoon portrays Premier Doug Ford playing a losing Blackjack game with Donald Trump, symbolizing his risky position on Ontario’s electric vehicle investments. As the election day neared, both Ford and the opposition ignored the significant EV sector, while Trump’s focus on fossil fuels overshadows green energy discussions. The uncertainty surrounding Ford’s strategy raises questions about its future impact on Ontario.

Wednesday, February 26: “Inflatable Promises and Real Disconnect”

In this cartoon, Doug Ford stands in front of an inflatable castle labelled “Affordable Housing for All,” oblivious to the rising housing crisis. A maintenance worker’s remark about the castle’s air supply underscores the gap between political promises and reality. With only a day left until voting, it was perplexing to see Ford’s party leading in the polls, despite their inadequate housing strategies and the all-too-familiar sight of tent encampments scattered across the province.

Thursday, February 27: “Kings, Thieves, and Minerals”

This cartoon offers a sharp critique of the proposed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, portraying Trump as a king flanked by Putin and a beleaguered Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Critics argue that the deal represents economic exploitation rather than sincere support for Ukraine. The cartoon captures a growing disillusionment with U.S. foreign policy and prompts crucial questions about global relations and democracy. As we look ahead to 2025, can the USA still claim to be the leader of the free world? This moment in history seems to mark the beginning of the end for that long-held assertion.

Friday, February 28: “Mandates on Ice”

This cartoon leans on my long running comic strip showing a young Donald Trump in a fur coat appearing in the snowy headbanger habitat of Etobicoke with Doug Ford and friends, each showcasing exaggerated “mandates.” Ford’s push for a strong mandate amid U.S. trade tariffs allowed him to divert attention from pressing domestic issues like scandals, healthcare in crisis, and a lack of affordable housing. This absurd scene captures the shifting dynamics in Ontario’s political landscape as Ford sought a third consecutive majority government.

Saturday, March 1: “Royal Charms and Diplomatic Alarms”

Drawn during the doldrums of the Ontario election’s anticlimactic vote tabulations, this cartoon depicts King Charles III, recruited by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to use his royal charm to win favour with Trump. While Starmer’s approach using the monarch may offer temporary relief, it contrasts sharply with the challenges Canada faces under Trump’s aggressive stance. The cartoon invites reflection on the effectiveness of diplomatic strategies in today’s political climate.

Saturday, March 1: “The Spectacle of Diplomacy”

This cartoon depicts an absurd, but in reality, disgraceful Oval Office meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and J.D. Vance, comparing it to a wrestling match. Zelenskyy’s evident frustration contrasts sharply with Trump’s preening and flamboyant demeanor, reflecting a concerning shift in U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, the portrait of Vladimir Putin looms large, symbolizing the growing influence of tyranny that influences these interactions. The cartoon criticizes the focus on showmanship over genuine diplomacy, calling for a more thoughtful approach to international relations.

* * * * * * * *

As we wrap up this week’s reflections, we welcome a much-needed break from the usual hustle of Ontario politics. Premier Doug Ford is enjoying a brief honeymoon period after his recent election campaign, giving him (and editorial cartoonists) some time to focus on other important issues. However, the influence of figures like Trump and Putin still affects our discussions. If Ford plays by the rules, he might outlast Trump, who, in all likelihood, won’t play by the rules.

I hope my editorial cartoons have highlighted ongoing debates about housing, electric vehicles, and diplomacy, showing how local politics connects with global issues. Ford won his strong mandate primarily because of the support from a small portion of the 45% of eligible voters who turned out.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this quieter time for the next day or so, as next week promises to bring more political excitement. The federal Liberal leadership race will conclude with the announcement of a new leader, and Canada will find out who its next Prime Minister will be. We can only guess what challenges lie ahead, especially with the unpredictable situation in the White House. Given recent trends since November 4, 2024, new challenges are likely to arise (spoiler note) in the coming days, influenced by Trump. Expect him to make appearances in my cartoons next week… yet again.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! I typically release posts every Saturday morning, offering a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. My aim is to keep you informed without overwhelming you with constant notifications. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enrich my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will always be free. Thank you for your continued support!

Tuesday February 25, 2025

February 25, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 25, 2025

Doug Ford’s Electric Vehicle Gamble: A Fortunate Oversight in Election Season

November 22, 2024

As Ontario approaches its election on February 27, 2025, Premier Doug Ford faces a challenging situation with his ambitious plans for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. While he’s committed to boosting this growing sector, threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and uncertainties in the car market present serious challenges that shouldn’t be ignored.

News: As Trump threatens, should Ontario keep its ‘eggs in the EV basket?’

Ontario has a long history in the traditional car industry, and the shift to electric vehicles marks an important change. Ford’s strategy, however, depends heavily on stable U.S. policies and decisions. Trump’s recent cuts to EV incentives and threats to tax Canadian imports highlight the risks. Since a lot of Ontario’s car production goes to the U.S., a drop in EV demand there could be disastrous. The province has invested billions, which could be wasted if the market doesn’t grow as expected.

Political opponents like NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie have questioned Ford’s plans. Crombie’s comment about “putting all our eggs in the EV basket” shows concerns about relying too much on one industry. Surprisingly, this issue hasn’t been a major topic in the election, possibly because voters are focused on immediate issues like healthcare and education.

News: Ford says he’ll honour Ontario’s EV commitment, Crombie and Stiles less definitive

June 3, 2023

It’s lucky for Ford that the risks of his EV plan haven’t become a major election issue. However, this could be risky. While it helps him push his EV agenda, it also leaves a major weakness unaddressed, which might be used against him as the election nears.

The impact of focusing on the EV industry is significant. The car sector supports about 100,000 jobs and adds nearly $15 billion to Ontario’s economy. A downturn, especially if influenced by U.S. policy changes, could lead to job losses and economic problems. Ford needs to see that while he’s promoting an innovative idea, he’s also risking the province’s economic future.

News: Stellantis pauses work on Jeep Compass, leaving future of Brampton plant up in the air

May 17, 2023

In summary, Doug Ford’s dedication to the electric vehicle sector is admirable but uncertain. As he campaigns, he should be thankful that these concerns haven’t turned into major opposition. However, he shouldn’t ignore this. Ford must tackle the weaknesses in his EV strategy, diversify Ontario’s economy, and prepare for possible issues from unpredictable U.S. politics. Ontario’s economic future might depend on it.

As we approach this Thursday’s provincial election, there’s something that’s been quite under the radar. Doug Ford’s big investments in EV battery deals, which cost billions, aren’t really being talked about. The opposition isn’t bringing it up, and Ford’s not making a big deal out of it either.

Why the quiet? Well, Donald Trump’s focus on fossil fuels has kind of overshadowed green energy efforts. Now, any push to help the planet and invest in renewables is brushed off as “woke” stuff. What’s interesting, though, is that the federal Liberals and Ford’s government have actually teamed up to invest in Ontario’s green sector—something you don’t see often.

It was a move everyone agreed on when the U.S. was more supportive. But now, with those days gone, there’s this odd silence on an issue that might become a big challenge for Ford in the future. Even as he looks set for a big win this week, I wonder how this will all play out.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 24, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 22, 2024

Doug Ford’s EV Gamble Meets Trump’s Fossil-Fuelled Reality

November 16, 2024

Doug Ford has staked Ontario’s future on becoming a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Billions of dollars are flowing into the province to build an end-to-end EV supply chain, from mining critical minerals in the north to producing batteries and manufacturing cars in the south. Ford has presented this vision as not just a green initiative, but an economic transformation that will secure Ontario’s place in the future of North American industry. It’s a bold strategy—but one that now faces an existential threat from south of the border.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House throws Ford’s EV ambitions into turmoil. Trump has made no secret of his disdain for green energy and EV subsidies, instead doubling down on fossil fuels and dismantling environmental policies. His pledge to potentially unravel the Inflation Reduction Act—a cornerstone of U.S. EV incentives—sends a chilling message to Ontario’s automakers and mineral producers. For Ford, whose plan hinges on cross-border integration and growing demand for EVs in the U.S., this is a crisis in the making.

News: Mélanie Joly says next U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra will help advance ‘shared priorities’

November 23, 2016

Compounding the challenge is Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. A former Michigan congressman and Trump loyalist, Hoekstra has a track record of opposing government support for EVs. While his Michigan roots suggest familiarity with cross-border trade, his alignment with Trump’s energy priorities raises serious concerns. Hoekstra is likely to advocate for an “America First” energy strategy that sidelines green technology in favour of fossil fuels. This could place Ontario’s massive EV investments at odds with the economic and political direction of its largest trading partner.

Ford, to his credit, is not sitting idly by. His government’s announced “charm offensive” in the U.S. aims to highlight Ontario’s critical minerals, energy resources, and role as a key supplier for American industries. It’s a calculated move to remind U.S. decision-makers that economic cooperation with Ontario is in their best interest. Yet Ford has been here before. During Trump’s first term, he lobbied fiercely against steel and aluminum tariffs, only to see Trump impose them anyway. It was only after Canada responded with retaliatory measures that the tariffs were lifted. If history is any guide, Trump’s administration is unlikely to be swayed by charm alone.

News: Ontario to go on ‘charm offensive’ in U.S. after Donald Trump victory, minister says

October 16, 2020

The stakes are higher now. EVs represent a generational opportunity for Ontario, one that Ford and Ottawa have both heavily invested in. A rollback of U.S. EV subsidies could shrink the market for Ontario’s batteries and vehicles, leaving its nascent supply chain vulnerable. Even worse, if Trump’s administration turns protectionist on critical minerals—seeking to hoard U.S. resources or impose tariffs on Canadian imports—Ontario’s leverage as a supplier could evaporate.

There’s also a glaring political dynamic at play. Ford has been an outspoken advocate for EVs, confidently asserting that they are “the way of the future.” But his federal Conservative counterparts, led by Pierre Poilievre, have largely stayed quiet on the issue. Poilievre, often quick to criticize Liberal policies, has not addressed the potential collision between Ford’s EV strategy and Trump’s energy agenda. This silence suggests a tactical calculation, but it also leaves a leadership void. If Trump’s policies threaten to undermine Ontario’s investments, federal Conservatives will need to articulate how they plan to safeguard Canadian jobs and industry while maintaining a working relationship with the White House.

News: Premiers back cutting Mexico from U.S. trade talks, Doug Ford says

May 4, 2022

The friction between Canada and the U.S. over EVs is poised to become a major flashpoint in the coming years. Trump’s approach to energy and trade, combined with Hoekstra’s likely advocacy for fossil fuel priorities, sets up a potential conflict with Canada’s push for a green transition. Ford’s efforts to build an EV economy may not align with Trump’s vision for America, creating challenges not just for Ontario but for Canada as a whole.

News: Doug Ford’s winning bet: EV strategy pays off for Ontario

Ford’s strategy is not without merit. His efforts to position Ontario as a critical player in the EV market demonstrate a boldness that has been lacking at the federal level. But this is also a gamble. If Trump’s policies derail North America’s EV momentum, Ford risks being left with stranded investments and a crumbling vision. Ontario’s charm offensive may buy goodwill, but history suggests that Trump’s administration respects strength more than persuasion. Ford must be prepared to fight for Ontario’s interests, using every tool at his disposal—including federal collaboration, retaliatory measures, and a pivot to other markets if necessary.

Ontario’s EV revolution is a bet on the future, one that could pay dividends for generations. But with Trump’s America pulling in a different direction, Ford’s gamble may become the defining test of his premiership. For Canada and Ontario, the stakes could not be higher.

Doug Ford has poured everything into making Ontario a leader in electric vehicles. Working closely with the Trudeau government, he’s helped bring in billions from automakers like Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Honda to set up shop in the province. Together, they’ve built an EV dream: mining minerals up north, building batteries down south, and creating thousands of jobs along the way.

For a while, it looked like everything was going smoothly—partisan bickering aside, the province and feds were actually working together for once. But now Donald Trump is back, and his return could blow up Ford’s plans.

Trump doesn’t care about EVs. He’s all about oil, gas, and “drill, baby, drill.” His talk about scrapping U.S. EV subsidies has automakers nervous, and Ontario’s entire plan depends on a strong American EV market. To make things worse, Trump just picked Pete Hoekstra, a guy who’s openly against EV subsidies, to be the next U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Ford’s doing his best to butter up Trump’s team with a “charm offensive,” but it’s a risky move. We’ve seen this movie before—Ford tried playing nice with Trump during his first term, and it still ended with tariffs on Ontario steel and aluminum.

If Trump follows through on his anti-EV agenda, Ontario’s big investments could be in serious trouble. Ford’s carefully built EV strategy might collapse, leaving taxpayers holding the bag and thousands of jobs at risk.

Ford is betting big on Trump playing along. But if this gamble doesn’t work, it won’t just be Ford’s reputation on the line—it’ll be Ontario’s economic future.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Here’s the making-of clip of my Friday editorial cartoon. Sound up, and please enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday August 28, 2024

August 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Wednesday August 28, 2024

An animated version of this editorial cartoon has been posted to Pinterest.

The EV Trade War: Resisting China’s Economic and Geopolitical Expansion

Marvelous Maps

China’s aggressive expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) market highlights the complex intersection between economic competition and broader geopolitical concerns. While China’s affordable EVs offer a potential solution to global carbon emissions, this comes with significant trade-offs. Western nations have already ceded much of their manufacturing power to China, resulting in a dependency that now extends to the EV industry. However, China’s disregard for Western labour, safety, and environmental standards, combined with its authoritarian ambitions and environmental contradictions, such as expanding coal-fired plants, raises significant alarms.

News: Trudeau says Canada will slap big tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

November 16, 2022

Canada’s decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, effective October 2024, mirrors similar actions by the United States and reflects a growing resistance to China’s influence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this move is necessary to protect Canadian industries from unfair competition driven by Chinese state subsidies. While these tariffs are aimed at levelling the playing field, they also spark concerns about affordability and the pace of EV adoption, crucial for addressing climate change.

Critics argue that while Chinese EVs are more accessible due to subsidies, relying on them undermines efforts to maintain labor and environmental standards. Moreover, China’s environmental contradictions, such as the simultaneous expansion of coal-fired plants to support EV manufacturing, complicate the narrative of their green agenda. The irony of promoting EVs while increasing coal use further exposes the ethical inconsistencies in China’s policies.

Opinion: Here’s how Canada can square tariffs on Chinese EVs with the WTO

December 12, 2019

However, the implications of China’s actions extend far beyond the economic sphere. China’s efforts to exert influence in Western democracies, including allegations of interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, highlight the broader geopolitical stakes. These actions have raised concerns about China’s ambitions to undermine democratic institutions while expanding its economic reach. Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs are thus part of a broader strategy to resist China’s growing influence.

The New York Times: Canada Will Impose 100% Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Animated!

The West’s response to China’s might in the EV sector should focus on reinvigorating its own innovation and manufacturing capabilities. To preserve the principles of a free and democratic society, the West must rise to meet the challenge posed by China’s dominance. This means investing in domestic industries, enforcing trade policies that demand respect for environmental and labor standards, and fostering innovation that ensures the West can compete in the global EV market without compromising its values.

While resisting China’s influence might seem like a losing battle in the long run, it is crucial for the preservation of democratic principles and the promotion of a fair, competitive global market. If humanity is to delay the spread of authoritarianism, the West must assert its strength, innovate aggressively, and ensure that the transition to a greener future does not come at the cost of the freedoms and standards that define its societies. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese EVs is not just about economics; it’s a stand against a broader geopolitical challenge that the West cannot afford to ignore. (AI)