B.C. Premier David Eby backs Canada’s counter-tariffs and urges Ottawa to consider stronger steps as trade tensions with the U.S. deepen.
Canada’s trade fight with the United States is entering a tougher phase. And B.C. Premier David Eby wants Ottawa to consider more than tariffs.
As Canadian counter-tariffs take effect, Eby is calling for a broader response to U.S. trade measures. He argues that Canada needs to use its economic strength instead of simply matching American duties.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned Canadians that the shift away from the U.S. will not be easy. Still, Ottawa says standing still would carry an even greater cost.
B.C. backs Canada’s counter-tariffs
Eby supports the federal government’s decision to retaliate against American goods.
However, he says tariffs should not be the only tool on the table. Instead, Canada could look at trade, energy and defence decisions that affect the U.S. economy.
That could mean rethinking some Canadian purchases from American suppliers. It could also mean examining exports that matter to U.S. industries.
Earlier, Eby urged Ottawa to look at options involving Canadian coal exports and defence procurement. His message is clear: Canada has leverage, and it should be prepared to use it.
Trade tensions put B.C. businesses on edge
For B.C. companies, the dispute is already creating uncertainty.
The province has strong trade ties with the United States. Therefore, new duties can raise costs, squeeze exporters and put pressure on jobs.
At the same time, businesses are being encouraged to find customers at home and in other global markets. B.C. has also pushed for faster economic diversification to reduce its dependence on the American market.
That shift will not happen overnight.
For many companies, the U.S. remains a major customer. As a result, replacing that market could take years rather than months.
Ottawa faces pressure to respond
The federal government now faces a difficult balancing act.
On one hand, Canada wants to defend its economy and push back against U.S. tariffs. On the other, stronger retaliation could raise costs for Canadian businesses and consumers.
Still, Canada has already announced counter-tariffs covering billions of dollars in U.S. goods. The measures came after Washington imposed new tariffs on Canadian products.
Eby believes Canada should keep looking for ways to increase pressure without hurting Canadians more than necessary.
B.C. urges Canadians to buy Canadian
Meanwhile, the province is also promoting a simpler response: buy Canadian.
B.C. has already taken steps to favour Canadian products in government purchasing. It has also restricted some U.S. products in provincial liquor stores as part of its response to the trade dispute.
The strategy has two goals.
First, it aims to support local businesses. Second, it seeks to reduce the flow of Canadian dollars into the U.S. economy.
However, the province knows that consumers and businesses cannot switch suppliers overnight.
A bigger economic fight is taking shape
The latest dispute goes beyond tariffs.
Canada and the U.S. have built one of the world’s largest trading relationships. Billions of dollars in goods and services cross the border each day. Therefore, prolonged tension could affect workers and businesses on both sides.
For Eby, the answer is not to retreat.
Instead, he wants Canada to strengthen its domestic economy, build new trade relationships and use its own economic advantages.
Now, as counter-tariffs take effect, the next question is how far Ottawa is willing to go.
And for B.C., the stakes are high: protect jobs, support local businesses and find new markets while keeping the province’s economy moving.
