NCDA REMAINS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF FEDERAL LUXURY TAX
For immediate release
Vancouver, BC – In a federal budget that is largely focused on affordability, the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) say funding commitments that will continue to make zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) more affordable and build more charging stations across Canada is a positive step in the right direction.
Today’s federal budget includes a commitment of more than $3 billion for a host of measures, including:
- $1.7 billion over five years to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program until March 2025 to help more Canadians get behind the wheel of zero-emission vehicles.
- $547.5 million over four years to launch a new purchase incentive program for medium and heavy-duty ZEVs to help businesses upgrade their fleets.
- Funding to build a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.
“Overall, the measures are a positive step in the right direction,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA. “However, we believe there is room for development of a more comprehensive plan, such as suggested by our national association CADA and their Road to 2035 campaign initiative: Roadto2035.ca.”
Qualey and BC’s New Car Dealers are also registering serious concerns about the prospect of a federal luxury tax coming into effect September 1, and the impact it will have on members who are already subject to a significant provincial luxury tax.
“The federal proposal threatens to impose a tax-on-tax for new car dealers, providing an even greater incentive for consumers to take their business elsewhere, which in turn will have a significant impact on sales and jobs,” said Qualey. “All levels of government face the difficult challenge of finding resources to fund the multitude of needs that society demands of them. However, this is a prime example of a government reaching a conclusion without a full understanding of its implications. We will continue to strongly make our case because without their full attention, a great deal is at stake.”
About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents over 400 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs for British Columbians and are responsible for over $16 Billion of retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in BC.
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Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231
[email protected]
