David Eby walks back key portion of proposed B.C. tariff response legislation following backlash

Premier David Eby has made a significant change to the NDP’s tariff response bill after facing backlash for a section that would give the government the power to bypass the legislature. During a news conference in Vancouver, Eby admitted that the proposed legislation did not strike the right balance between the need to act swiftly and the necessary safeguards to protect democratic processes.

Eby announced that Part 4 of the Economic Stabilization Tariff Response Act, which would have allowed the cabinet to implement regulations without legislative approval in response to actions from a foreign jurisdiction or measures supporting the economy, will be removed. This decision follows negotiations between Attorney General Niki Sharma and B.C. Green MLAs over changes to the bill introduced on March 13.

Critics, including the B.C. Conservatives, certain business groups, and former B.C. Liberal premier Gordon Campbell, voiced concerns over the emergency powers granted by the bill. Campbell criticized Eby, stating that the proposed legislation resembled the actions of an autocrat rather than a democratic leader.

However, the other parts of the bill, which address breaking down interprovincial trade barriers and tolling trucks passing through B.C. en route to Alaska, remain unchanged. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad called for the entire bill to be scrapped, arguing that Eby still retains too much power to access private information and impose tolls without oversight.

The B.C. Green Party, which supports the NDP government on key legislation, welcomed the removal of the controversial section from the bill. B.C. Chamber of Commerce president Fiona Famulak had expressed concerns that the legislation could create uncertainty for businesses and hinder economic growth. She commended the government for taking stakeholders’ feedback seriously and making the necessary changes.

Overall, the decision to walk back the contentious section of the tariff response bill demonstrates a commitment to upholding democratic principles while addressing the need for swift action in response to external economic threats. Eby’s willingness to listen to feedback and make adjustments highlights the importance of collaboration and dialogue in the legislative process.