British Columbia Premier David Eby invoked the memory of the 9-11 terrorist attacks and Canadian efforts to help their "closest friend" as he voiced support for Ottawa's counter tariffs in the trade conflict with the United States on Tuesday.
Eby said people across Canada stepped up to help after the "horrific" attacks 25 years ago and they would do so again if necessary, despite U.S. President Donald Trump hurling "insults, unfair tariffs" and threatening the country's independence.
The premier, dressed in a red-and-black checkered overshirt with people waving the maple leaf flags in the background, said Canadians are kind, loyal and compassionate, yet those values should never be mistaken for weakness.
"Nobody wanted this trade war. Canadians sure didn't start it, and working families on both sides of the border will be worse off because of it," he said.
"But when our workers, our businesses, our economy, is targeted, standing up for Canada is not a choice. It is our responsibility."
Eby was speaking in front of legislators, members of the public and staff with his New Democrat government. Warm up was provided by parody rapper Shane Kimber, also known as OGR-Scintilla.
Eby said his distinctive overshirt, dubbed the "Salmo dinner jacket" in a nod to its origins in B.C.'s Kootenay region, was the "the single-most Canadian piece of clothing" he owned.
But when Eby got serious, he acknowledged difficult times ahead, as he urged people to support homegrown businesses.
"There is no getting around the fact that people will lose their jobs, and businesses will close on both sides of the border," he said.
"That's the unfortunate reality of Trump's trade war."
Asked to quantify the potential losses, Eby said his government was working with Ottawa to identify the sectors that are likely to be hardest hit and deploy supports.
The forestry sector and those who depend on it are already hurting, he said, promising to work with the industry directly.
Eby said his government would also protect public services, though his pledge comes as the current forecast projects a record-setting deficit of $13.3 billion for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
"There's no question that the provincial finances are under strain, just like family budgets are under strain at home, just like jurisdictions around the world," he said.
Trade talks broke down between Canadian and U.S. negotiators in August
"We are a sovereign country. That is principle one, and that principle I think was under direct attack from the proposal that came from the Americans."
There was also an expectation that the United States treat in a manner that recognizes the benefits it gets from a strong relationship between the two countries, he said, adding it was "appalling" that it was cheaper for Russian lumber to get into the American market than it was for lumber from B.C.
"And so fair treatment, respect for Canada's sovereignty, are the two components that I would be looking for," he said of a potential trade agreement.
"I am convinced that (Prime Minister Mark Carney) understands that at a deeply personal level as well."
No further trade talks are currently scheduled, and Eby said he did not expect the current dispute to be resolved quickly.
"The crucial piece going forward is that we're in a new ball game."
The premier also tried to strike a positive note, saying B.C. and Canada would emerge stronger as both levels of government strengthen trade connections within the country and across the world, moving business away from the United States.
Canada, he said, has been overly dependent on a single market for far too long.
"We are creating new customers for Canadian products, building new partnerships."
Eby said the government and members of the public alike must rise to the challenge of reducing reliance on goods and services from south of the border.
Every purchase is a choice, he said. "In the middle of this economic war, a war we did not start, we can and must be our best customer."
The premier encouraged people to select local goods and services ranging from homegrown food to local accountants and consultants.
"It's also choosing bikes and outdoor equipment and apparel designed and made by B.C. companies, the very best in the world. It's taking a vacation here in British Columbia ... and it's choosing B.C. materials and manufacturers to help build homes and schools and infrastructure, keeping investment here at home."
Still, Eby said his government would not rescind plans to expand the provincial sales tax to a range of services, including accounting, starting next month.
The premier said his government wouldn't rule out additional countermeasures, on top of continuing its ban on American alcohol in provincially run liquor stores, a move that has captured the attention of U.S. officials.
"That piece alone has been profoundly significant for the president, for the senior members of the administration in the United States," he said.
Eby also unveiled plans for new signs at border crossings bearing a message saying welcome to B.C., Canada: "strong, proud and will never be the 51st state. Sorry!"
He said the message was uniquely Canadian, one of confidence and good humour.
It was also unmistakably clear, Eby said. "British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale."
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
