Following historic provincial election, NCDA urges transportation affordability strategy, modernization of vehicle taxes and alignment with federal emissions policy
For immediate release
October 26, 2026
VANCOUVER, BC — As British Columbia prepares for a new provincial government, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is urging incoming decision-makers not to overlook one of the most significant expenses facing households: the cost of owning and operating a vehicle.
With affordability emerging as a defining issue during the provincial election, the Association says the new government has an opportunity to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the financial pressures facing British Columbians, including the rising cost of transportation.
“Much of the affordability conversation understandably focuses on housing, groceries and other everyday essentials. But we cannot forget that transportation, and particularly vehicle ownership, represents a significant household expense for British Columbians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “For many families, owning a vehicle is not a discretionary purchase or a luxury. It is essential to getting to work, taking children to school, attending medical appointments and managing the demands of everyday life.”
The Association is encouraging the incoming government to develop a comprehensive provincial transportation affordability strategy that examines how existing policies, taxes and regulations affect the cost of vehicle ownership and consumer choice.
Among the areas warranting attention are:
- Vehicle taxes and charges: Reviewing the cumulative impact of provincial taxation on vehicle purchases, including the luxury vehicle surtax that begins at $55,000, to ensure tax policies reflect today’s vehicle market and do not unnecessarily increase costs for consumers.
- Zero-emission vehicle mandates: Aligning BC’s regulatory approach with the federal emissions framework to provide greater consistency, recognize a broader range of technologies and offer greater flexibility for consumers and manufacturers.
- Electric vehicle affordability: Ensuring the transition to lower-emission transportation is supported by realistic policies, appropriate incentives and reliable charging infrastructure, while recognizing the financial realities and diverse transportation needs of British Columbians.
Qualey added that government should consider the combined impact of its transportation policies rather than evaluating individual taxes, regulations and mandates independently.
“We recognize the incoming government will have many competing priorities, but as its agenda takes shape, our message is straightforward: don’t forget about the cost of vehicle ownership. Transportation affordability is household affordability, and it deserves a place at the table,” added Qualey.
About the NCDA: The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) represents over 400 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia who provide 30,000 family supporting jobs and are responsible for close to $17 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail automotive industry and advocates on legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.
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Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
[email protected]
604-240-6231
