June 7th, 2024
June 7th, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP MPP and Official Opposition critic for Infrastructure, Highways, and Transportation Jennifer French (Oshawa) has been championing changes to ensure Ontario homes are EV-ready.
French introduced a motion at Queen’s Park to require rough-ins for electric vehicle chargers in new homes. French’s motion was voted down by the Conservative government.
“It is disappointing that the government is stuck in neutral instead of planning for the road ahead. They have voted against a motion that was a clear, achievable way to ensure the homes we build today are prepared for a bright, electric future.”
French has also introduced a Bill to continue pushing for this change. Bill 199, EV Ready Homes Act remains an opportunity to move forward with this important change. This Bill has support from key stakeholders in Ontario’s automotive and energy industries.
Support:
Lana Payne, National President, Unifor
“Ontario is positioning itself as a leader in North American EV production. Tens of thousands of jobs in this province will depend on a well-functioning EV supply chain. However, it is crucial that our infrastructure evolves in a way that both supports this shift towards zero emission vehicle options and, in turn, good jobs here at home. Advancing our infrastructure today can save homeowners significant future costs, making the inevitable transition to EVs more accessible and affordable. This will have a positive effect on EV demand, property values and home safety. This sort of holistic approach to policy development is precisely the type of government approach our union envisioned within our 2022 auto industrial policy roadmap, Navigating the Road Ahead. I commend you on this initiative to modernize Ontario’s housing infrastructure and promoting sustainable living. Unifor urges all parties to support this legislation, and to ensure its swift passage at Queen’s Park.”
Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO, Electricity Distributors Association
“The EDA is pleased to see that the EV-Ready Homes Act would respond to our mutual goal of an electrified Ontario. Whether it’s the federal government’s net-zero target, the province’s investments in EV manufacturing, or changes in customer expectations – mass adoption of EVs is coming, and it is time to get ready. Building new homes with the expected changes in future electricity use in mind – particularly EVs - makes sense, and it will ensure Ontario is ready for its electric future.”
David Adams, President & CEO, Global Automakers of Canada
“Unfortunately for many homeowners, installing a charger in an existing home can be an obstacle. Amending Ontario’s Building Code Act to ensure more homes in the province are ready to support vehicle charging is an important opportunity to remove a significant barrier to making the switch to new vehicle technology. By making this change, more Ontario families will be able to access the cutting-edge vehicles being developed and built right here in the province, and from around the world. GAC and our members strongly support any initiatives to foster consumer demand for electrified vehicles and are pleased to support your efforts in the Ontario Legislature.”
Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power
“The electricity grid is undergoing a period of transformative change due to the growth of electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies, our focus is to modernize the electric grid to ensure stability and this bill will enable homeowners to make a seamless transition to electric mobility. Many customers are reluctant to make the move to electric mobility because their home electrical panels need to be upgraded in addition to installing an EV charger, resulting in additional delays and unplanned costs. Oshawa Power also believes the future in Ontario is electric and this amendment to the building code, requiring the addition of a 200 amp panel and the roughed in electrical box for EV Chargers in the home will make the transition to electric a smooth and seamless experience for Ontario residents.”