Premier David Eby has unveiled new measures aimed at protecting British Columbians, workers, and businesses from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and energy.
“The White House started a trade war we didn’t want, and we must answer with strength,” Premier Eby stated. “We are responding to this unprecedented attack with several targeted actions and, in the coming weeks, will arm ourselves with even more tools to counter sustained economic aggression.”
The B.C. government plans to introduce new tariff-response legislation in the coming days, which will provide the province with enhanced tools to safeguard jobs and businesses and respond quickly to the challenges brought about by Trump’s tariffs. Among the proposed actions are measures to remove interprovincial trade barriers, require that low-carbon fuels added to gasoline and diesel be produced in Canada, and enable B.C. to apply tolls or fees to U.S. commercial vehicles traveling through the province to Alaska.
Premier Eby emphasized that Trump’s tariffs were a “profound mistake” that are harming families on both sides of the border. “My team will continue to work hard every day to defend British Columbians through this and come out stronger on the other side. Every option is on the table,” he said.
In the short term, the B.C. government has directed the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to halt purchases of American liquor from “red” states and remove those brands from public liquor store shelves. Furthermore, the provincial government and Crown corporations are now required to prioritize purchasing Canadian goods and services.
These initial responses are part of a broader “Team Canada” approach, which includes federal 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports, as well as additional actions from other provinces and territories.
The B.C. government has also committed to reducing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, with a target of June 1, 2025. The province’s strategy to combat the tariffs includes:
- Implementing strong counter-measures and reaching out to American decision-makers;
- Strengthening B.C.’s economy by accelerating project approvals and supporting industries and workers;
- Diversifying trade markets for B.C. products, reducing reliance on U.S. markets by eliminating domestic trade barriers.
To support these efforts, B.C. is pushing forward with major projects valued at $20 billion in investments, expected to create 8,000 jobs, particularly in rural and remote areas.
To ensure coordinated and swift action, Premier Eby has formed a trade and economic security task force to bring together business, labour, and Indigenous leaders. A new agriculture and food economy task force will focus on maintaining the growth of B.C.’s food sector despite tariffs. A B.C. softwood advisory council is also working on a strategy to address the ongoing softwood lumber dispute.
Quick Facts:
- U.S. tariffs on Canadian mineral exports are projected to cost American companies over $11 billion and significantly impact the U.S. defense, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
- The share of B.C.’s goods exports to the U.S. dropped to 52.8% in 2024, compared to 65.8% in 2000. Meanwhile, B.C. has been expanding its trade with key Asian markets, including China and South Korea.
- While B.C. is relatively better positioned than other provinces due to its lower reliance on U.S. exports, the impact of the tariffs will still be significant.
- B.C. remains highly reliant on U.S. markets for certain exports, including natural gas, electricity, and softwood lumber.
- U.S. imports make up 34.5% of B.C.’s total incoming trade, including machinery, equipment, agriculture, food, and energy products.
