The Canadian government announced earlier this week that capitalism was no longer of any interest to it. Steven Guilbeault, the enlightened Minister of Environment has decreed that by 2035 internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles must be phased out in favour of electric vehicles (EVs). This dirigiste move flies straight in the face of the principles of a market economy that enable the technology required for the energy transition and will no doubt be rife with unforeseen consequences.

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By now, most sensible people recognize that emissions reduction is a good, desirable and laudable goal. The problem that is now clear as day for anyone who bothers to look is that the mandates and regulations are being driven by politicians who refuse to acknowledge reality. So let’s take a walk down reality avenue and the obvious problems the 2035 mandate has.

EVs are expensive for consumers and lose car manufacturers money. Currently, most electric versions of cars run the consumer $10,000 – $15,000 more than their gas counterparts. In an inflationary environment with a stuttering economy and stagnant salaries the government is now demanding Canadians spend more of their hard-earned money on........

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