B.C. Premier David Eby celebrates U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Trump tariffs, calls it a “sign of spring” for Canadian industries and the economy.
Eby Sees “Signs of Spring” After U.S. Court Ruling
British Columbia Premier David Eby looked unusually upbeat on Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Speaking to reporters, Eby said the decision sets an important legal precedent, giving Canadian governments and industry leaders a stronger footing to challenge other tariffs still in effect.
“The court’s decision, combined with a recent U.S. House vote condemning the tariffs, sends two important signals to B.C.,” Eby said. “They’re signs of spring.”
American Consumers Still Feeling the Pinch
Earlier in the day, Eby addressed the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT), highlighting that U.S. consumers continue to shoulder most of the costs from these tariffs. He stressed that pressure on the Trump administration remains, while B.C. works to protect sectors hit hardest, including lumber and aluminum.
Business Leaders Raise Budget Concerns
The Premier also faced pointed questions about his government’s budget. Bridgitte Anderson, GVBOT president and CEO, urged Eby to consider the “anxiety of the business community” over the $13.1-billion deficit projected in Tuesday’s budget.
“The province came in with a surplus,” Anderson said, referring to the nearly $6-billion surplus forecast when Eby succeeded John Horgan in 2022. “Now, we’re on a trajectory that worries the business community. What is the plan?”
She warned that without major spending cuts, tax hikes might follow, impacting small businesses and major projects alike. Tuesday’s budget included the first increase to the lowest income tax bracket in over 25 years, along with an expansion of the provincial sales tax to some professional services.
Eby Defends Spending and Tax Decisions
Eby acknowledged the “big jump” in the deficit, citing reduced natural resource revenues and inherited infrastructure debt. He emphasized that spending on schools, hospitals, and roads is an investment that fuels growth.
“That kind of debt, tied to infrastructure, is positive and drives economic growth,” Eby said.
He also admitted administrative costs had been high but insisted the budget stabilizes finances while safeguarding health care and education. Eby defended the PST expansion, calling it a reflection of B.C.’s shift from a resource-driven to a service-driven economy.
“We need a strong tax base to support services people count on, from health care to child care to education,” he added.
Premier Pushes Back on Criticism
Despite receiving a “D” rating from the board—the worst since Anderson became president—Eby remained confident. He pointed out that B.C. performs reasonably well compared to other provinces and rejected anecdotes suggesting businesses might leave for Alberta.
“It’s hard to defeat an anecdote, but B.C. still offers more economic potential and certainty than Alberta. In fact, Alberta is talking about moving out of the country,” he said with a smile.
The Supreme Court ruling, combined with B.C.’s budget debates, has put the province in a spotlight where optimism meets scrutiny. For Eby, the decision signals hope, while the province balances growth, fiscal responsibility, and the concerns of the business community.
