British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada's premiers and the federal government have hatched a game plan over possible U.S. tariffs, where Conservative premiers lobby their Republican counterparts and left-leaning leaders court the Democrats, while the federal government focuses on president-elect Donald Trump.
Eby says the premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talked about using their political diversity and connections to approach politicians and business leaders in the United States, as talks over Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico ramp up.
He says it has been discussed that Conservative premiers Danielle Smith in Alberta, Doug Ford in Ontario and Nova Scotia's John Houston are well-placed to lobby their contacts with Republican governors and business leaders.
In a year-end interview, Eby says as a New Democrat leader he will likely have more in common speaking with Democrat governors and business leaders from the West Coast states.
A 'Team Canada' response to Trump's tariffs doesn't mean we agree on everything. It means we are united in standing up for Canadian jobs.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) December 3, 2024
I won't stop pushing Ottawa for BC’s fair share – at the same time we’re united against this national threat. We are all on the same side. pic.twitter.com/jj4JjEXRjy
He says Canada's diversity of representation, ranging from the right and left sides of the political spectrum, can bring leverage and advantages in tariff talks.
Eby also says — if it is deemed helpful — he is prepared to appear on American's right-leaning Fox News TV network as did premiers Ford and Smith.
