Canada’s New Auto Strategy Signals Major EV Growth — And Nova Scotia Is Preparing
Canada’s automotive industry is entering a period of rapid transformation.
On February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new national strategy to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, strengthen domestic auto manufacturing, and reduce Canada’s reliance on a single export market.
With more than 90% of Canadian-made vehicles exported to the United States, the federal government is repositioning the sector to be more resilient, diversified, and globally competitive.
At the centre of this strategy is electrification.
What the Federal Announcement Means
The new auto strategy includes:
- $2.3 billion EV Affordability Program
- Purchase incentives of up to $5,000 for battery electric and fuel EVs
- $1.5 billion investment in national charging infrastructure
- Strengthened greenhouse gas standards
- A target of 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040
- Major funding to accelerate made-in-Canada EV production
With EV sales projected to reach nearly 40% of global car sales within five years, this shift is not incremental — it is structural.
For Nova Scotia’s automotive employers, this signals:
- Increasing numbers of EVs entering service bays
- Growing demand for high-voltage safety knowledge
- Greater need for EV-trained technicians
- Workforce upskilling and recruitment challenges
The national strategy focuses on manufacturing and affordability.
At the provincial level, workforce readiness is equally critical.
That is where ASC’s Shift EV project comes in.
Shift EV: Building Nova Scotia’s EV Talent Pipeline
To proactively prepare the sector for EV growth, the Automotive Sector Council has launched Shift EV, a province-supported workforce initiative.
Shift EV runs from November 2025 through October 2026 and is designed to strengthen awareness, safety literacy, and early engagement in EV-related careers across Nova Scotia.
A Mobile, Hands-On Approach
Shift EV delivers a mobile, interactive EV learning experience using the iDEV demonstration vehicle and trailer.
Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, the program travels directly into schools and communities to:
- Introduce youth and new-to-industry participants to EV technology
- Deliver live EV safety demonstrations
- Explore automotive career pathways
- Provide foundational high-voltage awareness training
This approach ensures rural and underrepresented communities gain access to emerging green job pathways — not just urban centres.
Why This Matters for Automotive Employers
As federal EV incentives increase consumer adoption, employers across Nova Scotia will face increasing demand for EV-ready technicians.
Shift EV helps employers by:
✔ Increasing early awareness of EV careers
✔ Introducing safety fundamentals at the entry level
✔ Expanding rural access to automotive pathways
✔ Strengthening long-term workforce sustainability
✔ Supporting alignment with clean energy goals
The federal strategy drives demand for EV vehicles.
Shift EV helps ensure Nova Scotia has the workforce to service them.
Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Vehicles
The federal government’s announcement makes one thing clear: electrification is accelerating.
Nova Scotia’s automotive sector must adapt — not react.
Through initiatives like Shift EV, ASC is working to ensure our province is prepared with:
- Engaged youth
- Skilled entry-level talent
- Employer partnerships
- Proactive workforce planning
As EV adoption grows, Nova Scotia’s strength will depend on the readiness of its people.
ASC is committed to helping the sector make that shift — confidently and competitively.
For more information about Shift EV or employer engagement opportunities, contact communications@autocouncil.ca.