Trump tariffs the focus of Throne Speech at first session of 43rd parliament in BC legislature

Just shy of four months after the provincial election that saw Premier David Eby secure a narrow majority, BC’s legislative assembly sat for the first time on Tuesday, February 18th. 

Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia gave a Throne Speech to begin the 43rd parliament’s first session. 

In her speech, Cocchia was to highlight the BC government’s plan to defend the province and its people from the ramifications that may be caused by US President Donald Trump’s trade war and looming tariffs. 

Her speech included five points of focus for the newly formed government to keep in mind as they go about their work:

• Standing strong for Canada—being tough and thoughtful in response to any attack on Canada’s economy and sovereignty
• Creating good jobs in a growing economy—fast-tracking major private-sector resource projects and building on the province’s strengths in technology, life sciences and film
• Diversifying where BC sells its products—focussing on new trade partners to strengthen relationships around the world and removing inter-provincial trade barriers
• Strengthening access to health care—attaching more people to a family doctor and building new hospitals 
• Helping with costs—delivering more homes people can afford, locking in child care savings, car insurance savings and passing laws to protect consumers

“During its first four weeks, the new United States presidential administration has taken our country on a rollercoaster ride and we must be prepared for this to continue for the next four years,” Cocchia said. 

She added that because of the newly strained relationship between the United States and Canada, BC has to look out for itself and Canada as a whole. 

Premier Eby echoed the Lieutenant Governor’s concerns and spoke about how important it will be to focus on the economy and healthcare going into 2025.  

“We are at a crossroads. The journey ahead won’t be easy but there’s no place I would rather be to face the threat of tariffs than right here in BC, and nothing I’d want to be more than Canadian,” said Premier David Eby. 

“We have everything we need to protect ourselves from the economic impacts of the Trump presidency and come out stronger. That includes our most precious resource of all: British Columbians.” 

He added that  BC is resilient and ready to meet this moment the same as always—by looking out for each other.

According to the Province, very soon there will be two pieces of bold legislation to get energy and critical infrastructure built faster. 

Additionally, a new budget will be introduced soon that will focus on economic security and carefully managing finances. 

Controversially, before this first session of the 43rd parliament, the BC government cancelled the grocery rebate the BC NDPs promised during their campaign to help people with food security. 

The government simultaneously announced a hiring freeze on all BC Public Service positions because of the precariousness of the Province’s financial situation.