Toronto Terminates Tesla's Inclusion in Taxi Subsidy Scheme, deputy mayor advocates for Tesla Yorkdale's closure
In a move aimed at sending a message regarding ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., Toronto's city council has approved a motion to exclude Tesla vehicles from the Zero Emission Grant Program for taxi and limousine owners.
Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, who spearheaded the motion, has expressed his desire to shut down Tesla's store at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre and referred to Elon Musk as "the second most powerful man in the Trump administration who is hell-bent on destroying the Canadian economy."
The motion prevents new Tesla owners in the taxi and limousine industry from benefiting from the subsidies, which are part of an effort to encourage zero-emission transportation. City documents show that out of 21 zero-emission taxi and limousine owners currently receiving fee reductions, nine are Tesla owners.
However, all other electric vehicles, including Cadillacs made in the U.S., remain eligible for subsidies. This decision has sparked questions from some council members about why Tesla is being singled out, while other American manufacturers are still included in the grant program.
Mayor Olivia Chow argued that the decision targets Elon Musk and his influence within the Trump administration, not American automotive workers. She stated that Tesla is a "very popular brand" but there is "no reason" for the city to subsidize its purchase.
Existing Tesla owners already registered in the Zero Emission Grant Program will not be affected by the new motion. The exclusion will take effect on March 1, 2023. Deputy Mayor Mike Colle has also proposed a plan to remove the Tesla store at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, although the support for this proposal remains unclear.
The total forgone revenue from these Tesla owners since the program began is $4,677. The licensing fee grant program is aimed at encouraging zero-emission transportation, and despite the exclusion of Tesla vehicles, it continues to support the adoption of electric vehicles in the city's taxi and limousine industry.
