Premier David Eby has announced immediate countermeasures to defend B.C.’s workers and businesses following the U.S. decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on energy.
“President Trump’s tariffs are a betrayal of our historic partnership and an economic attack on a trusted ally,” said Eby. “British Columbians—and all Canadians—will stand strong against this unprecedented move.”
In response, Eby outlined immediate actions, including:
- Directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to halt purchases of liquor from U.S. “red states” and remove top-selling brands from public liquor stores.
- Mandating that the B.C. government and Crown corporations prioritize Canadian goods and services.
The province said it’s also fast-tracking approvals for $20 billion in private-sector projects, expected to generate 6,000 jobs in rural and remote areas. The government has also pledged full support for federal countermeasures. Eby signalled that more provincial actions could follow in the coming weeks.
Economic Impact and Strategy
B.C.’s preliminary assessment, released in January 2025, estimates the 25% tariffs could lead to a cumulative $69 billion loss in economic activity between 2025 and 2028, along with more than 120,000 job losses. The province also projects that tariffs on Canadian mineral exports alone could cost U.S. companies over $11 billion, severely impacting their defence, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
To counter the tariffs and bolster B.C.’s economy, the government has adopted a three-pronged approach:
- Retaliatory Measures & U.S. Outreach – Implementing counter-actions while engaging with American policymakers.
- Economic Strengthening – Expediting key projects and supporting impacted industries and workers.
- Trade Diversification – Reducing reliance on U.S. markets by expanding trade partnerships.
The province has launched a trade and economic security task force comprising business, labor, and Indigenous leaders. The task force is co-chaired by Tamara Vrooman (Vancouver International Airport), Jonathan Price (Teck), and Bridgitte Anderson (Greater Vancouver Board of Trade). A new cabinet committee will function as a “war room” to coordinate a government-wide strategy protecting B.C.’s economy.
“We won’t be bullied into becoming another U.S. state,” said Eby. “Our province is unified and resolute. We will always stand up for B.C. and Canada.”
though times are coming but government size and spending is still growing on all levels.
These socialists never know how to handle public funds. When times a good they think it will never end and when times are though they want to spend because to stimulate the economy.
Like Trudeau said: the budget will balance itself. ….what a joke