As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada develop additional policies and implement further measures aimed at electrifying transportation in Canada. When appropriate, these efforts should include collaboration with governments in Canada, the United States and Mexico, as well as other relevant stakeholders. Moreover, with the goal of standardization, the Government should continue working with other governments in Canada to enhance the country’s network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada undertake consultations about the production of electric vehicles, batteries and automotive parts, as well as the development of related supply chains. In particular, the Government should consult other governments in Canada, consumers, and representatives of organized labour groups and business associations in the following sectors: electric vehicles, batteries, automotive parts and critical minerals. Prior to undertaking consultations, the Government should consider issuing a white paper on the topic of the electrification of transportation in Canada, with a particular focus on goods and services produced and exported by Canada’s electric vehicle and other related sectors.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada consider appointing an advisor on the electrification of transportation in Canada. This advisor should work with all relevant stakeholders affected by pertinent federal policies and measures, including those involved in the research, development, innovation and production of electric batteries and automotive parts, as well as electric vehicles, buses, trucks, bikes and other methods of land-based transportation.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada ensure the existence of policies and measures that will lead to a high level of production of electric vehicles, batteries and automotive parts, as well as the mining of critical minerals. Moreover, the Government should ensure the existence of reliable supply chains concerning these products. Finally, the Government should take the following two actions expeditiously: implement the forthcoming federal critical minerals strategy; and add phosphate to Canada’s list of critical minerals.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada—as required—continue with, and enhance, its advocacy efforts in the United States concerning any potential federal tax credits for U.S.-produced plug-in electric vehicles or other measures that could negatively affect Canadian firms and employees. This advocacy should occur alongside similar efforts by relevant stakeholders, including other governments in Canada, as well as Canadian firms and employees and their representatives. As well, if the United States or Mexico contemplates or implements actions that could disadvantage Canada’s electric vehicle and related sectors, the Government should consider taking strong actions that would support Canada’s electric vehicle and battery producers and employees.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada consider taking strong actions designed to align current federal incentives for the purchase of Canadian-produced electric vehicles with comparable incentives available in the United States. As well, the Government of Canada should cooperate with the Government of the United States to ensure that current and proposed federal incentives in the two countries for the production and purchase of electric vehicles are consistent with the requirements of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement and the World Trade Organization.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada, in its efforts to resolve the current softwood lumber trade dispute between Canada and the United States, prioritize outcomes that meet two objectives: ensure and enhance access by softwood lumber producers in Canada to the U.S. market; and return anti-dumping and countervailing duty amounts collected by the United States to the producers that have paid them. These efforts should be informed by input from other governments in Canada, as well as by firms, employees and their representatives.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada work with other governments in Canada with the goal of ensuring that firms in the domestic softwood lumber sector can access lands from which timber can be harvested.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada collaborate with other governments in Canada, as well as with firms, employees and their representatives, with the aim of diversifying both the softwood lumber products that are exported from Canada and the foreign markets to which they are exported. As part of its diversification efforts, the Government should rely on the efforts of the Trade Commissioner Service’s network of trade representatives located throughout the world. Moreover, when negotiating new or updating existing trade agreements, the Government should consider the forestry sector to be a key sector in Canada.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada—on an ongoing basis—assess whether legislation proposed in countries that are trading partners, including for softwood lumber products, is consistent with those countries’ trade obligations in relation to Canada.

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada make substantial investments in existing and new infrastructure to support the efficient and cost-effective transportation of softwood lumber products from Canada to foreign markets. As well, the Government should implement measures to enhance the ability of firms to supply the global demand for softwood lumber products from Canada in a timely and competitive manner.