Canada’s decision to allow thousands of Chinese made electric vehicles into the country at a reduced tariff rate is drawing fresh concern from a senior U.S. lawmaker, even as Ottawa looks for ways to diversify trade during a difficult period in Canada U.S. relations. According to CBC News, Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said Canadian leaders should remain cautious when dealing with China, particularly when national security and connected vehicle technology are involved.
Slotkin, who was in Toronto for the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit, said she understands why Canada may be looking beyond the United States as trade tensions rise. However, she warned that strained relations with Washington should not automatically push Canada closer to Beijing. Speaking to Rosemary Barton Live, Slotkin said Chinese companies should not always be viewed as reliable partners when sensitive data, infrastructure and security concerns are at stake.
Her comments come as Canada prepares to allow 49,000 Chinese made EVs into the market at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent. The agreement was reached after Prime Minister Mark Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January, with China offering tariff relief for Canadian agricultural sectors in exchange. The deal has since become a source of tension with some U.S. officials and Canadian critics.
Slotkin, a former CIA officer, pointed specifically to the risks posed by connected vehicles. She said Chinese made EVs could potentially collect 3D video, geolocation and other sensitive data, raising concerns about whether that information could be accessed by Beijing. She has also backed legislation in the United States with a Republican senator from Ohio that would ban the import, sale and operation of vehicles manufactured in China.
Similar concerns have been raised in Canada by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and some Canadian security experts. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said earlier this year that Ottawa would ensure safeguards are in place to prevent vehicles from transmitting sensitive information back to China. The issue reflects a growing debate over whether electric vehicles should be treated only as consumer products or also as data gathering technology with national security implications.
The EV dispute also adds pressure to the broader Canada U.S. trade relationship. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada moved ahead with a deal with China, although that threat has not materialized. Slotkin said Michigan officials are closely watching the direction of Canada U.S. trade and admitted that both countries are now on different pages on some international trade issues.
The debate is unfolding as Canada, the United States and Mexico continue discussions around the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement. The three countries face a July 1 review point, though former U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai noted that the agreement does not simply disappear if no deal is reached by that date. She said the pact still has years remaining, but annual reviews would continue if the three countries fail to reach consensus.
Tai also said Canada should understand its leverage in areas such as steel, aluminum and energy, while also paying attention to digital and technology rules. For Canada, the challenge is balancing trade diversification with security concerns, especially as economic pressure from the United States pushes Ottawa to look for new partnerships. More Canadian trade and policy coverage can be found through Weekly Voice at https://www.weeklyvoice.com and its Canada section at https://www.weeklyvoice.com/category/canada.
