B.C. Opens Forest Trade Office in London, Launches Anti-Tariff Ads

British Columbia is expanding its global trade footprint — and firing back at U.S. tariffs — by opening a new forest trade office in London, U.K.

The move, announced Monday, comes as U.S. duties on Canadian forest products reached 45 per cent earlier this month, threatening jobs and revenues across the province’s lumber industry.

‘We can no longer trust the United States,’ says minister

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said the new trade office will help reduce reliance on the U.S. market by boosting exports to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

“I never want workers to be put in this position again,” Parmar told CBC Radio. “We can no longer trust the United States. In the case of forestry, we are too reliant on them.”

The office will be operated by Forestry Innovation Investment, a provincial Crown corporation that already maintains offices in China, India, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea.

According to provincial data for June 2025, the U.S. remains B.C.’s largest destination for forest exports at $3.3 billion, followed by China ($1.2 billion) and Japan ($359 million).

Parmar said the goal now is to “make sure the products that were typically destined for the U.S. find new markets.”

U.S. tariffs trigger job losses and curtailments

The 45 per cent combined duties and tariffs have hit B.C.’s softwood lumber sector hard, compounding challenges like reduced fibre access and mill curtailments.

Several forestry companies have announced layoffs or reduced production, prompting calls for urgent support.

Anti-tariff ads aimed at U.S. consumers

In a bold move, B.C. will also roll out anti-tariff ads in November targeting American consumers — echoing Ontario’s earlier campaign that angered U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Americans need to hear how tariffs raise prices,” Premier David Eby wrote on social media Friday.
“It’s important for us to speak directly to Americans looking to build homes or renovate — because Donald Trump has slapped additional tariffs on top of already unfair softwood duties.”

Unlike Ontario’s television ads, B.C.’s campaign will be digital-only, focusing on social media and online platforms.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Economic Growth, said the online ads will debut in November and highlight how tariffs increase costs for American families while hurting forestry jobs in Canada.

A global pivot for B.C. forestry

Officials say the new London office will strengthen ties with European buyers and help diversify markets for B.C.’s wood products.

“Coastal British Columbia is well positioned to provide world-class wood products,” Parmar said. “This is about protecting workers and growing our global presence.”

Alberta Passes Bill Forcing Teachers Back to Work

After weeks of classroom closures, Premier Danielle Smith’s government has passed emergency legislation to end the province-wide teachers’ strike, invoking the notwithstanding clause to override constitutional challenges and compel a return to work as early as Wednesday.

The Back to School Act (Bill 2) passed early Tuesday morning following a tense all-night sitting at the Alberta legislature. The law imposes a four-year collective agreement on teachers and restricts future strikes, drawing condemnation from the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and opposition parties.

“Our intention is to pass this legislation immediately and end the strike,” Smith said Monday. “My expectation is that students and teachers will be back in the classroom on Wednesday.”

Government fast-tracks debate

The United Conservative Party (UCP) used legislative tools to limit debate on all three readings of the bill. Finance Minister Nate Horner said invoking the notwithstanding clause was necessary to “ensure classrooms stay open.”

Opposition MLAs shouted “shame” in response.

“Time allocation is a blunt instrument, and not a shield for constitutional overreach,” said NDP MLA Heather Sweet. “When paired with the notwithstanding clause, it becomes a double blow to our democracy.”

The clause allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years.

Nenshi calls Smith ‘authoritarian’

Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional and unnecessary.

“She’s woken up parents, teachers, students, and workers,” Nenshi said. “Danielle Smith is going to rue the day she did this.”

He argued the government could have pursued binding arbitration instead of legislating a deal.

The ATA, representing 51,000 teachers, vowed to pursue all legal options to challenge what it called an “egregious assault” on collective bargaining rights.

Details of the imposed agreement

The contract covers Sept. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2028 and includes:

• 3% annual salary increases

• Hiring commitments for 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants over three years

• Suspension of local bargaining until 2028

• Fines up to $500 per day for individuals and $500,000 per day for the union if they defy the back-to-work order

Smith said the agreement provides “fair compensation” and stability for families.

The ATA says the deal ignores class size, student complexity, and workload issues — the key reasons for the strike that began Oct. 6 after teachers overwhelmingly rejected two previous offers.

“We saw a government bully,” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “It’s a travesty for democracy.”

What comes next

The government says an action team will soon deliver a report on aggression and complexity in classrooms, to be followed by a new task force on class size and student support.

Smith’s government maintains that the notwithstanding clause was needed to prevent disruptions in Alberta’s 61 school boards.

Meanwhile, teachers are preparing to return to class — under protest — as the political fallout continues.

Ford Defends Anti-Tariff Ad, Says ‘We Woke Up America’

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is standing by the controversial anti-tariff advertisement that angered U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the campaign achieved its purpose by sparking a national conversation across the border.

“We generated a conversation that wasn’t happening in the U.S. — now every single local and national outlet is talking about it,” Ford told reporters Monday at Queen’s Park.

The one-minute television ad, which used former president Ronald Reagan’s 1987 remarks promoting free trade, aired widely on U.S. networks including during the World Series and the American League Championship Series.

Trump, misattributing the ad to Canada rather than Ontario, called it “fraudulent and fake” before announcing the termination of trade negotiations with Canada last week.

Ford: ‘We got our money’s worth’

Despite Trump’s fury, Ford called the campaign “very effective,” claiming it earned over a billion impressions and successfully highlighted how tariffs hurt American workers.

“You know why President Trump is so upset right now? Because it was effective,” Ford said. “It woke up the whole country.”

Ford said he paused the ad campaign after discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney, so trade talks could resume.

While early reports suggested the province spent $75 million, Ford said the actual cost was “a lot less” since future ad slots were cancelled once the campaign was pulled.

“Did we get our money’s worth? Oh my goodness, did we ever,” he said.

Reagan Foundation reviewing legal options

The ad featured Reagan’s original radio remarks with cinematic shots of American factories and landscapes — a creative choice Ford insists was lawful.

“He was a free trader. He hated tariffs,” Ford said. “All his speeches are in the public domain.”

However, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute disputed Ontario’s use of the audio, stating the ad “misrepresents” Reagan’s words and that the province “did not seek permission.”
The foundation says it is “reviewing legal options.”

Political backlash at home

Opposition leaders in Ontario accused Ford of jeopardizing trade relations and chasing headlines.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles said Ford “screwed up,” adding,

“He’s focused on flashy ads that boost his ego, not on protecting Ontario jobs.”

Liberal interim leader John Fraser called the ad “thoughtless.”

“What was he thinking? The premier should stay in his lane.”

Ford, however, says he consulted “almost every premier” before launching the campaign and that “Team Canada” remains united in pushing back against U.S. tariffs.

He is expected to appear on major U.S. networks — ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN — to continue making his case Monday evening.

Tariffs Threaten Key Industries Across Canadian Provinces

As trade tensions escalate between Canada, the U.S., and China, premiers across the country are warning of economic fallout from mounting tariffs — with every province’s most vital industries now under pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s 10% tariff hike announcement and China’s retaliatory taxes on Canadian goods have left Canadian exporters facing uncertainty and shrinking markets.

Here’s how the damage breaks down, province by province.

British Columbia – Lumber and forestry

B.C. Premier David Eby has accused Ottawa of ignoring the province’s forestry crisis. Lumber tariffs now total 45% after Trump’s latest hike.

“Steelworkers in Ontario get national attention — our forestry workers deserve the same,” said Eby.

Wood products are B.C.’s second-largest export after energy, supporting over 100,000 jobs.

Alberta – Oil and gas

Tariffs haven’t directly hit Alberta’s energy exports yet, but trade slowdowns have reduced global oil demand and prices.

Provincial revenues were $1.4 billion below projections this year due to falling crude prices and a stronger loonie.

“Lower global growth from U.S. trade actions is hurting Alberta’s energy sector,” said economist Trevor Tombe.

Saskatchewan – Canola and pork

China’s 100% tariff on canola oil and meal, and 75.8% on canola seed, are devastating Saskatchewan farmers. The province produces half of Canada’s canola exports.

Premier Scott Moe urged Ottawa to lift its tariff on Chinese EVs in exchange for relief.

“Get this deal done on behalf of 200,000 workers,” Moe posted on X.

China’s 25% tariff on pork is also hitting Saskatchewan’s $1-billion livestock industry hard.

Manitoba – Canola and pork

Premier Wab Kinew said retaliatory Chinese tariffs are hammering rural Manitoba.

Canola generated nearly $2 billion in 2024 — now facing steep price drops. One major pork producer reported a $19-million annual loss.

“Thousands of farmers’ livelihoods are at stake,” Kinew wrote in an open letter to PM Mark Carney.

Ontario – Auto manufacturing

Ontario’s $11.6-billion auto industry is under fire from Trump’s new 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks, set to begin Nov. 1.

General Motors has already halted production of its electric van, while Stellantis moved a Jeep line to Illinois.

Premier Doug Ford refuses to lift Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing domestic manufacturing protection.

“There’s no damn way we should drop tariffs on China,” Ford told the Empire Club of Canada.

Ontario has invested billions in EV subsidies and tax credits to secure homegrown production.

Quebec – Aluminum and aerospace

Manufacturing accounts for 80% of Quebec’s exports, with aluminum second only to aerospace.

A Scotiabank report predicts a 1.4% GDP drop in Quebec and Ontario by the end of 2026 due to tariff exposure.

The aluminum sector — 10% of Quebec’s export base — is particularly vulnerable to U.S. trade barriers.

New Brunswick – Lumber

New Brunswick’s lumber industry adds $15 billion to its GDP each year. Premier Susan Holt says increased U.S. tariffs will have a “real and negative impact” on local jobs.

“We need urgent federal action to protect our forestry communities,” Holt said.

Prince Edward Island – Seafood

China’s March 2025 tariffs on Canadian seafood imports have shaken P.E.I.’s $377-million seafood industry.

Processing plants have cut hours and laid off hundreds of temporary foreign workers, according to the P.E.I. Seafood Processors Association.

Nova Scotia – Seafood exports

Nova Scotia exported $1.5 billion in seafood in 2024, 10% of which went to China. Those exports are now under tariffs, threatening one of the province’s largest employers.

Newfoundland and Labrador – Fisheries

Nearly 9% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s exports — primarily seafood — are now subject to Chinese tariffs, according to an RBC report.

The province’s fishing sector, already battling high fuel costs and market fluctuations, faces mounting uncertainty.

Big picture

With U.S. tariffs squeezing Central Canada’s manufacturing core and Chinese retaliation slamming Prairie agriculture and Atlantic fisheries, Canada’s trade strategy is under intense strain.

Economists warn that the next federal budget will need to address sector-specific relief — or risk long-term damage to Canada’s export economy.