On Friday July 25 2025, Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands, wrote to the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, to request an exemption on electric vehicle transport regulations for island communities.
Read the pdf of the letter here
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
July 25, 2025
Re: Request for Exemption on EV Transport Restrictions for Island Communities
Dear Minister Freeland,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding a new policy implemented by B.C. Ferries, which prohibits tow trucks from transporting non-operational electric vehicles (EVs) aboard its vessels. This change responds to Transport Canada’s policy requiring that damaged vehicle batteries be removed and transported separately when traveling by ferry.
While I fully appreciate the intent behind this policy, ensuring passenger and operational safety, it is having unintended consequences for residents of the Gulf Islands and other remote coastal communities. These areas often lack the facilities or certified technicians needed to service electric vehicles. As a result, inoperable EVs must be towed to dealerships or service centres on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland.
This creates a serious barrier for residents who rely on ferries as essential transportation links. Local towing companies report transporting over a dozen EVs daily via B.C. Ferries, many of which are not operational and cannot be repaired locally.
I respectfully urge your office to consider a narrowly tailored exemption to the relevant Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. This would permit the transport of inoperable EVs from remote communities under clearly defined safe conditions, minimizing risk while addressing practical challenges.
Restricting damaged EV transport without a feasible alternative creates hardship for residents, towing operators, and repair providers. An exemption allowing B.C. Ferries to carry these vehicles under safe protocols would help ensure equitable EV maintenance and repair services. It would also support the Government of Canada’s broader climate goals, including the commitment to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich–Gulf Islands