Electric vehicles for export at a port in Hangzhou, China, in April, 2025.-/AFP/Getty Images
Major misplay
Re “Stop kidding yourself: Donald Trump’s threats to Canada aren’t our fault” (Report on Business, Feb. 6): In his full response to Senator John Kennedy, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his government would not drop tariffs on Canada if Canada did the same, because it would not allow a backdoor for Chinese electric vehicles into the U.S. market.
This reinforces the centrality of competition with China to the U.S. trade approach, rather than an attack on Canada. Free trade will not address this security concern.
Regardless of what Canada does, I believe our geography means there is no world in which the United States is not our primary economic and security partner. Canada should understand that, despite Donald Trump’s bluster, the underlying U.S. approach is a response to the transformation of the international order.
Pretending like we can play China and the U.S. off each other is a losing strategy that undermines the relationship with our most important ally.
Ben Doran Ottawa
Who’s listening?
Re “Ottawa must decide whether the downsides of allowing Chinese EVs into the country are worth it” (Feb. 9): Since Mark Carney first announced an electric vehicle trade deal with China, there has been much discussion of how this could jeopardize our national security by allowing Chinese software into these EVs.
While I agree that we should be vigilant and do our due diligence to put systems in place, I think these risks can be minimized. One must be naive to think our American friends are not likewise involved in similar covert espionage with our industries.
Until we are comfortable with better safeguards, maybe we should prevent the sale of Chinese EVs to those in certain Canadian sectors who are more exposed and vulnerable to security issues, while allowing sales to most ordinary Canadians.
I see little risk if China knows what my wife texts me to pick up for dinner on the way home, or when and where my next tennis match is booked. Let common sense prevail.
Michael Gilman Toronto
The problem isn’t just Chinese electric vehicles, it’s every electronic device of every sort and from every nation.
EVs, internal combustion vehicles, smartphones, laptops, gaming systems, refrigerators and countless other devices have the potential to monitor our behaviour, disclose our secrets and compromise our personal, financial and national security.
The only solution is intelligent, wide-reaching government regulation backed by rigorous inspection and strict enforcement – that is, if it isn’t already too late.
John McLeod Toronto
Re “Listen up” (Letters, Feb. 3): A letter-writer believes there is no technological reason why electric vehicles need to be “connected.” Yes, there is, and not just for EVs: It’s called the marketplace.
For the past decade, polling of potential car buyers has placed connectivity ahead of old wish-list parameters such as safety, speed, handling and comfort. Watch car commercials now and see how being connected is a prime consideration.
Jim Hickman Bracebridge, Ont.
Test case
Re “What’s the future of electric vehicles when even Elon Musk wants out?” (Report on Business, Feb. 5): I have owned a Tesla Model S, Model 3 and Model Y, as well as a Volkswagen e-Golf. I worry about what the future of electric vehicles looks like without Tesla.
With a Tesla, any-distance travel is straightforward. Superchargers are widespread, reliable and plentiful. Stations typically have many stalls and it is rare to encounter waits.
My e-Golf – and this is true of all non-Tesla EVs, from Kia to Mercedes – relies on third-party apps and fast chargers which are sparse, frequently out of service or already in use. Long waits are common and long distances are unreliable.
Without dependable refuelling infrastructure as easy as gas stations, EVs cannot compete with gasoline vehicles. Whatever one thinks of Elon Musk, Tesla demonstrated that electrification requires not only fast, fun, low-maintenance cars, but also a reliable, distributed charging network.
Unless that lesson is fully absorbed by legacy automakers and policy makers alike, EV adoption will likely remain tied to Tesla.
Kyle Shantz Oakville, Ont.
Don’t tell me
Re “We need a national Sunshine list, publicizing salaries of individual federal workers” (Report on Business, Feb. 3): I am not convinced on the need for further public sector salary disclosure as it pertains to the federal government.
I have sat on several provincial Crown corporation boards and was always dismayed when this topic was discussed and reviewed. To be clear: An employee’s salary information should only be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency; it is not anyone else’s business.
Public disclosure of salary ranges for classification roles are reasonable, but I believe broadcasting individual salaries amounts to a gross violation of privacy, not to mention the possible security implications for that person and their family. In this age of social-media activism, I cannot think of a more senseless policy.
The federal government should adhere to its current salary disclosure guidelines and not buy into any populist-originated list of bad ideas, such as electing our judiciary.
Paul Martin White Rock, B.C.
Think of the children
Re “A blanket ban won’t solve social media’s ills – but it can be an effective temporary tool” (Feb. 3): In the late 1990s, our preteen son had a social media account. He was contacted by someone who was obviously a child predator wanting to meet up near the washrooms of a local mall.
As parents, we were thankful he trusted telling us right away. Today, I cannot fathom the fear and anxiety parents may feel if their children are on social media.
While the government gets its act together and Canada acts judicially, I urge parents to spend more time with their children. Look in their eyes and gauge their level of interest in reading, games and learning play. Foster best moral behaviours by example.
Control of our children’s growth and the fuelling of their imaginations in their tender years is up to us, not social media. The algorithms are strong, but not invincible.
Just turn off and try to look at the stars on a moonlit night.
Marianna Kingsmill Hamilton
Remember when?
Re “Welcome to the Olympics, where Canada is swaggering and the U.S. may not notice” (Feb. 6): “Medals don’t make Olympic moments. Moments make Olympic moments.”
Another unforgettable one was watching Scott Moir at the women’s hockey gold medal game in 2018, beer in hand (is this a theme?), enthusiastically heckling the referees and cheering alongside fellow Canadian athletes.
These are the moments that linger long after the final scores are forgotten, the ones that feel authentically Canadian, joyful and human. Thanks for reminding us of that.
Caroline Stinson Hamilton
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