B.C. premier says province prepared to retaliate against Trump’s tariff threats

In response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, British Columbia Premier David Eby has announced his support for retaliatory measures, including tariffs, to protect the interests of British Columbians. Eby stated that “nothing is off the table” and that they are prepared to take action to ensure that the U.S. understands the consequences for both British Columbians and Americans.

Trump’s proposed tariffs would have a significant impact on B.C.’s critical exports to the U.S., such as electricity, natural gas, and minerals. The province sold over $1 billion worth of electricity to U.S. states last year, making it essential for B.C. to protect its economic interests.

While Eby expressed reluctance about using retaliatory tariffs as a tool, he emphasized that B.C. is ready to act if pushed into a corner. He also ruled out the possibility of provincial patrols at B.C.’s border crossings, stating that taking over federal responsibilities at the border would be a step too far.

In a coordinated response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s premiers discussed potential strategies to address Trump’s tariff threats. Ontario Premier Doug Ford took a tough stance, indicating a willingness to cut off Ontario’s energy supply to the U.S. if tariffs were imposed. However, Eby made it clear that B.C. would support retaliatory tariffs but would not invest additional provincial resources in boosting border security.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith rejected tariffs and energy cutoffs, choosing instead to invest $29 million in a new border patrol unit to intercept illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Critics have questioned the legality of Alberta’s plan, as immigration law is a federal jurisdiction.

Despite the potential economic stakes on both sides, Eby emphasized that retaliatory tariffs would harm both countries. Washington state also expressed concerns about the impact of tariffs on electricity imports from Canada, highlighting the significant costs that such measures could impose on Washington’s consumers and businesses.

Mary Lou Steward, the mayor of Blaine, a border town in Washington, emphasized the positive impact of Canadian visitors on the local economy, highlighting the close relationship between Americans and Canadians. She referenced the inscription on the U.S. side of the Peace Arch monument, describing Americans and Canadians as “children of a common mother,” underscoring the importance of maintaining strong economic ties between the two countries.

Overall, B.C. remains prepared to take action to protect its economic interests in the face of potential U.S. tariffs, emphasizing the need for a measured and strategic response to address the escalating trade tensions between the two nations.