New wave of tariffs on the horizon

Brace yourselves as Trump appears to be dug in when it comes to the ‘reciprocal’ tariff threats which are set to roll out on April 2.

President Trump delayed tariffs on certain Canadian goods until April 2, while approximately 62% of goods remained subject to tariffs. As a result, Canada postponed the second round of retaliatory tariffs while B.C. maintained liquor and procurement measures until the tariff threat is resolved.

This unjust tax on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. betrays the longstanding relationship between our nations, which is an assault that will severely impact the economy and harm hardworking families and businesses on both sides of the border.

“We didn’t ask for this fight the president has brought to Canada and to British Columbia. I'll tell you this — we're not going to shrink from it,” said Premier David Eby in a statement.

“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-U.S. 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.”

BC Liquor Stores are removing all red-state liquor products from their shelves and will no longer place orders for them. BC Liquor is one of the largest alcohol buyers globally, and removing American liquor from its shelves will lead to U.S. manufacturers losing tens of millions of dollars annually according to the release.

At the provincial level, the government, including Crown corporations and health authorities, will prioritize purchasing Canadian products first, followed by non-U.S. goods. This approach is typically restricted by trade agreements with the United States.

Legislation has been proposed to enhance B.C.’s ability to respond swiftly to potential tariff threats from the United States, foster a more self-sufficient economy, and protect workers and businesses.

The Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act would allow the B.C. government to respond quickly If passed, providing time to devise longer-term strategies as the threat of tariffs changes rapidly and unpredictably according to the release.

“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.”

According to a media release the act grants temporary authority to the cabinet and is set to be repealed by 2027 at the latest. It claims to include safeguards, however Bill 7 drew a lot of criticism and attention from various political figures.

 “Premier Eby has announced he will be is backing down on Bill 7's provisions that give cabinet sweeping powers to bypass the legislature for two years. He says he'll remove that part but keep the rest of the bill on interprovincial trade, vehicle tariffs, US contracts,” said Jordan Kealy, MLA for Peace River North on his social media.

“Let there be no mistake about the intent behind tariffs. President Trump wants to hurt Canada economically so he can annex Canada politically. As hard as it is to believe, our longtime friend and ally is behaving like a foe,” said Eby. “Trump wants to force us into becoming the 51st state. That will never happen. We are proud Canadians. We will always be the true north, strong and free. Elbows up!”