As a 27-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran living in Sarnia, I was disappointed by MP Marilyn Gladu’s recent flyer titled “Your Car. Your Choice.” While I support Canadians having vehicle choice, I take issue with the fear-based messaging and factual inaccuracies used to discourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Due to service-related injuries, I can no […]
As a 27-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran living in Sarnia, I was disappointed by MP Marilyn Gladu’s recent flyer titled “Your Car. Your Choice.” While I support Canadians having vehicle choice, I take issue with the fear-based messaging and factual inaccuracies used to discourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Due to service-related injuries, I can no longer comfortably drive smaller SUVs. Fortunately, I purchased a nearly new F-150 Lightning returned by its first owner—who was frustrated with the lack of government-supported charging infrastructure. I got the vehicle at a $20,000 discount and now charge it at home using solar panels partially funded by a federal grant. My cost to "fill up" is just $3.41 for over 400 km of range. For me, it’s been an affordable and sustainable solution.
Ms. Gladu argues that EVs cost $15,000 more than gas vehicles. That may be true today, but it’s misleading. The real issue is supply and market maturity, not inherent cost. Increased domestic production—like the upcoming Canadian-built EV Ram—will drive prices down.
She also claims companies will be fined $20,000 per gas vehicle sold after 2035, but I found no official legislation to support this. As a public official, it’s irresponsible to spread unverified figures, especially when Canadians are looking for facts—not fear.
Yes, EVs do lose range in extreme cold, but her claim of 40% loss ignores reality. In Southern Ontario, we rarely see the –30°C needed for that drop. Real-world range loss is closer to 15–20%, similar to what gas vehicles lose in cold weather. That’s not a flaw—it’s physics.
To be fair, EVs aren’t perfect. My truck can’t tow equipment to a job site 100 km away and return without charging. But instead of using this to argue against EVs entirely, why not offer tax breaks for those who genuinely need gas-powered options?
And let’s talk about infrastructure. If long commutes are a concern, why not incentivize employers to install chargers in parking lots? That’s a practical, jobs-first way to support working families year-round.
Ms. Gladu says families need choice—and I agree. But real choice comes when EVs are affordable, supported, and viable. Other countries are modernizing their grids and supporting clean tech. Why isn’t Canada leading here?
MP Gladu asks, “Am I on the right track?” From where I sit—charging my truck with sunshine for $3.41—the answer is no. What we need isn't more division and fear, but common-sense policies that make EVs work for everyone, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on imported oil.
Jonathan De Swert
EVs aren’t the problem. A lack of infrastructure and political vision is.
