Premier David Eby has released a statement on how BC will be navigating the looming threat of president-elect Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
He says that all cabinet ministers are being directed to focus on BC’s economy and protecting the services British Columbians rely on in the face of Trump’s unprecedented threatened tariffs.
“No matter what the world throws at us, British Columbia has everything we need to succeed—abundant natural resources, access to markets and most importantly the people who call this place home,” said Premier David Eby.
“In times of instability, we are strongest when we work together to build on these unique advantages. Our team will prioritize growing the economy and building the wealth needed to support strong public services working families rely on.”
Eby has issued a mandate letter to each minister which lays out his expectations of them to keep high-level commitments on the forefront in the face of these tariffs, and to ensure any change in economic conditions doesn’t impact crucial services.
He says that economic and natural-resource ministers will work with industry, First Nations and communities to accelerate approvals for job and revenue-creating projects, and maintain the BC’s environmental and labour standards.
The mandate letters also point to ensuring economic growth and responsible fiscal management to protect and strengthen public services.
“Governments around the world are navigating a challenging fiscal environment, as we’re seeing slower global economic growth and threats from south of the border,” Premier Eby said.
“A strong fiscal foundation is essential to helping people build a good life here. By making the best use of public dollars, we can protect services and tackle the challenges people worry about around the kitchen table—from delivering homes people can afford to hiring family doctors.”
Premier Eby’s mandate letters highlight core priorities for cabinet ministers, which include growing the economy to create good jobs with higher paycheques, strengthening health care by hiring more front-line doctors and nurses, helping families with costs and making communities safer.
In a press conference this week, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that “nothing is off the table” in response to these looming tariffs.
He also noted that no single province or region should bear the brunt of the tariffs and their consequences.
Ultimately, what will happen if these tariffs are imposed is that Canadian goods will become more expensive for Americans, which will lead to increased financial hardships and job losses.
One way Canada could navigate the tariffs is to impose its own tariffs on imports from the United States, which would increase costs for Canadians on those goods.
