The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that the Liberals have changed their electric vehicle policy, moving away from the strict regulations of the Trudeau government to a more flexible approach. A Globe editorial says Ottawa, however, has retained the split strategy of the Trudeau era, which aimed to promote EV adoption by limiting gas-powered vehicles while also trying to establish a domestic electric automobile industry. These goals can sometimes conflict with each other. The policy, announced last week, aims to promote lower-emission vehicles, which is positive. However, it will also direct billions to the auto industry in an effort to establish Canada as a leader in vehicle electrification, a role the government should not take on. The Trudeau-era policy mandated a rising percentage of EVs in auto sales, with penalties for automakers who missed targets. The new approach focuses on achieving preferred outcomes by gradually tightening tailpipe emissions rules. To encourage more take-up of EVs, Ottawa will reintroduce rebates. Consumers will get $5,000 back on eligible electric vehicles purchased this year, and half that for plug-in hybrid vehicles. These rebates decline to $2,000 and $1,000 by 2030.