British Columbia Premier David Eby has responded to the US announcement of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariffs on energy by announcing immediate countermeasures. Eby described the tariffs as a “betrayal of the historic bond between our countries and a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally,” and vowed to stand strong and united against the measures.
The government has announced several measures to counter the tariffs, including directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to stop buying American liquor from “red states” and removing top-selling “red-state” brands from public liquor store shelves. Additionally, the government has instructed its agencies and crown corporations to prioritize buying Canadian goods and services.
The province is also assessing private-sector projects worth $20 billion to expedite their approval and issue permits faster, which is expected to create 6,000 jobs in remote and rural communities. The government has also pledged to support and implement actions taken by the federal government in response to the tariffs.
Eby stated, “We won’t back down or be bullied into becoming another state. Our province is unified and resolute. We’ll never stop standing up for B.C. and Canada.” The government estimates that the 25% tariffs could result in a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity between 2025 and 2028, and the loss of over 120,000 jobs. The tariffs on Canadian mineral exports alone are expected to cost American companies over $11 billion and have a significant impact on the US defense industry, energy production, and manufacturing.