Ontario can lead the EV revolution – but we need a government that sees the value in our clean energy future

April 21, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that the Ontario government is investing in Volkswagen’s EV battery plant in St. Thomas.

“Ontario has an opportunity to lead the electric vehicle revolution, and I’m glad that today’s announcement from the Premier and the Prime Minister recognizes that.

Our province is uniquely positioned to produce EVs from mining to manufacturing, and we should be laser-focused on ramping up our plan for a Made-in-Ontario supply chain that would create tens of thousands of good, green jobs and bring prosperity to our province’s workers.

The new EV battery plant in St. Thomas is an important step forward.

But we cannot forget that when the Premier came to power, he did everything he could to deter electric vehicles, from cancelling EV rebates to ripping chargers from GO stations.

And even as he makes this announcement today, his government is continuing to ramp up investment in expensive and polluting fossil gas plants when we know that renewable alternatives are cheaper and safer.

I hope that the Premier has finally seen the writing on the wall, and that this investment is a first step in a drastic shift toward securing clean energy prosperity instead of chasing it away.

And I hope this government is prepared to give workers the support they need to be well-equipped for the transition to the new climate economy.

By making it easier to drive electric and getting big oil out of our wallets, we can make life more affordable for all Ontarians.”

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