Trudeau Liberals say all new cars sold in Canada after 2035 will be electric

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals have announced a new goal of 2035 for all passenger vehicles and light duty trucks to be zero-emissions vehicles. Previously the Liberal had set the goal at 2040, but moved it up today despite it not being likely that the government will meet its goal of 10 percent zero-emissions vehicles by 2025.

Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson along with Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made the announcement Tuesday during a Facebook live event. Wilkinson also wrote on Twitter, "Today represents another step forward in demonstrating climate leadership that will enable us to meet Canada’s climate commitments, while positioning this country to succeed economically in the low-carbon world of the future."

Alghabra cited a recent report in the announcement from the International Energy Agency which stated that 2035 was the year that all cars must be zero-emissions in order to reach net zero emissions by 2050, according to the Canadian Press.

The Liberal government has already spent more than $300 million in a rebate program that offers consumers a tax rebate if they splurge on a new electric vehicle. Critics have said this is not enough as the price cap does not cover many electric vehicles and the rebate does not apply to used cars.

Alghabra also wrote on Twitter about the announcement saying that the new goal is designed "to build a greener economy, create good jobs, and put Canadians in the driver’s seat to a net-zero future." Adding, "Our goals are ambitious but that’s what it takes to fight climate change and build a green economy."

Wilkinson said with the tougher goal the country would work with the United States on fuel efficiency and consult with stakeholders on new regulatory measures.