The BC government has introduced new legislation that will allow for a quick response to threats of tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States.
The Economic Stabilization Act will allow for quick decisions and responses to be made while the government subsequently puts together more long-term counter measures that will grow BC’s economy.
“President Donald Trump doesn’t care about the devastating effect his chaotic actions are having on Canadian and American families alike,” said Premier David Eby.
“In the face of escalating attacks on our sovereignty that have included threatening to erase the Canada-US border and taking our water, we are not backing down. We are arming ourselves with the tools we need to respond swiftly, break down trade barriers within Canada and strengthen our economy.”
The new act focuses on interprovincial trade being made easier and moving government procurement away from American manufacturers.
If passed, the act would also give Eby’s cabinet the tools to fight back against Trump’s tariffs and counter the negative impact on British Columbians.
The following are the specific measures the BC government will be able implement if the act is passed:
- Remove or amend barriers that impede interprovincial trade
- Impose tolls/fees on non-Canadian commercial vehicles using provincial highways
- Direct public-sector bodies to exclude procurement from US suppliers
- Temporarily make changes to regulations that would help defend the BC economy
“People throughout our province and country are angry at this unprovoked, unjust attack from our closest international friend and ally,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General.
“The economic stabilization (tariff response) act will help strengthen our local economy and our ties to other provinces and territories, uniting us under the Team Canada banner. We continue to hope for this rift with the U.S. to be healed, even as we use our full legal authority to protect the people and interests of British Columbia and Canada.”
The powers imbued on Eby’s cabinet would only be temporary while the threat of tariffs continues, according to the Province.
If the threats of tariffs are not over by 2027, the act will be automatically repealed.
President Trump’s term in the oval office will be over in 2028.
