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.”
Carl Ingraham says
It makes sense for BCLDB to halt purchasing US alcohol products. However, those US products already on store shelves have been paid for. Continue selling these products until they are gone, thus providing revenue for the stores, rather than pulling the products and incurring losses. Government minions seem to lack understanding of the most basic business concepts.
John M says
How is pulling liquor from “red states” off the shelves going to help anyone?
Why not just sell the remaining stock and don’t bother to re-order.
I guess the BCLDB has plenty of warehouse space to stockpile it, and then re-sell it at a later date, along with the usual hefty price hike?
N_Dj says
All this instead of simply force feds to secure our borders (which was the only requirements to avoid tariffs !!!).
What are our (or for that matter, any other country’s) chances to successfully counter USA’s measures? Only incompetent and woke liberal polititians can think that we can succeed on long run…
But here is one and only ONE thing Canada can do to win (wink, wink hope someone hears me…), first mean it, and then threaten Canada’s withdraw from NATO, and tariffs will drop overnight.
We realistically should not be there anyways…
Doggie says
Ha ha ha. An economic war wich you gonna loose big time Meantime, go find other partners to export your products. Like China, Venezuela, Russia or Bruxelles. US doesnt owe you anything, US doesnt have to subsidize Canadian economy. Find other partners as Canada is way too anti American. I saw RBC banks in America, I saw TD Banks in America, I even saw Nova Scotia bank in Cancun, Mexico but I don’t see any American banks in Canada. 1% US access on Canadian Dairy market? You must be kidding me. No airlines no telecoms US companies in Canada. Forbidden market for American companies in Canada. Only open for busniess is for the Dominion Canadian monopol. And you still consider that you are entitled to sell your products in US? Tariffs are well overdue.