The numbers tell a stark tale of changing perceptions. According to the survey conducted for Bloomberg, 53 percent of Canadians say the “Made in China” label has no bearing on their purchase decision. Another 15 percent view Chinese manufacturing as a positive, meaning over two-thirds of the market is now open to the idea. This represents a complete reversal from just two years ago, when 61 percent of Canadians said they would actively avoid a Chinese EV.

It's somewhat funny that Canada PM Mark Carney brings a burner phone to his recent China visit and then allows Chinese cars in Canada.

Canadian experts note there are security risks,

[...] "[It's] a bad idea to allow Chinese vehicles into the Canadian market," said Brian Kingston, chief executive of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, during a news conference at the auto show.

Besides being a 'trade irritant' that would hamper the success of domestic-made autos, "there's a range of security and national security related issues," with Chinese autos, said Kingston. "If a social media platform is considered a threat to Canadians, I find it surprising that a connected vehicle is now even allowed in."

Ottawa once shared the same worries about privacy. Back in June 2024, former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland said that cybersecurity was a chief concern as the government weighed 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese EVs to curb the cheap models from flooding the market.

Now, the federal government says the vehicles will have to abide by Canadian security standards to be sold here [...]

If I had to choose between a Chinese or a US car, I'd pick the Chinese one too.