Ahead of a briefing on Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, B.C. Premier David Eby suggested an opportunity might exist for a deal on softwood lumber. Eby expressed the belief that U.S. leadership lacks awareness of the offensive nature of their comments, citing Ambassador Hoekstra’s remarks about Canadians being “nasty” to deal with. Eby also stated that Canadian boycotts were “having an impact,” and encouraged Canadians to stand firm against the U.S. government’s stance, asserting everyday Americans hold different views.
Read More
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced the removal of all U.S. liquor products from provincial stores, escalating the province’s response to perceived economic threats from the United States. This decision follows previous actions targeting goods from specific U.S. states and comes amidst concerns regarding potential tariffs on B.C.’s dairy and lumber industries, along with broader geopolitical tensions. The province will also implement legislation taxing U.S. trucks en route to Alaska and introduce measures to address interprovincial trade barriers. Eby emphasized B.C.’s determination to stand firm against what he characterized as destabilizing tactics from the U.S. government.
Read More
British Columbia is expanding its ban on U.S. alcohol from government stores to all products, not just those from “red states,” in response to escalating trade disputes and tariff threats from the U.S. This decision, announced by Premier David Eby, aims to counter new U.S. threats targeting Canadian industries like dairy and lumber. While local producers are seeing increased demand, the ban presents challenges for B.C. bars and restaurants due to higher costs for substitutes and limited availability of certain products. The province intends to further leverage its economic power through potential new fees on U.S. trucks and a possible tax on U.S. coal exports, albeit while acknowledging potential impacts on Canadian jobs.
Read More
In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Premier David Eby announced immediate countermeasures to protect B.C. businesses and workers. These measures include halting the purchase of American liquor from Republican-led states and prioritizing Canadian goods and services in government procurement. Eby framed the tariffs as an “unprecedented attack” on the Canada-U.S. relationship, threatening further retaliatory actions, including potential export bans, if the situation escalates. These actions follow a provincial analysis projecting significant economic damage—$69 billion in losses and 124,000 job losses—from the tariffs. A delegation of premiers will travel to Washington D.C. to lobby against the tariffs.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker