Premier Eby responds to U.S. Tariffs with economic countermeasures

British Columbia Premier David Eby has announced a series of retaliatory measures in response to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, vowing that the province will not back down.

“We didn’t ask for this fight the president has brought to Canada and British Columbia,” Eby said in a statement. “But we’re not going to shrink from it.”

Effective immediately, B.C. Liquor Stores will halt sales of liquor products from U.S. Republican-led states, and provincial government agencies—including Crown corporations and health authorities—will prioritize purchasing Canadian and non-U.S. products. Eby acknowledged that such measures would typically be restricted under trade agreements but emphasized the need for decisive action.

The premier also pledged support for local businesses to pivot towards domestic and global markets, while ensuring that revenues from federal counter-tariffs—announced earlier in the day—reach those affected. “As a province, we’ll fill in the blanks wherever there is an area that isn’t being addressed by Ottawa,” he said.

Eby encouraged British Columbians to take a stand through their purchasing and travel decisions. “At the grocery store, buy B.C., buy Canadian. If you have a choice about where to travel, avoid the United States. Visit somewhere in Canada or elsewhere in the world,” he urged.

Describing the U.S. tariffs as a “threat to our sovereignty,” Eby framed the moment as an opportunity for national unity. “This is a moment for us to take an attack and turn it into a source of strength,” he said. “We are tough. We are resilient. We are exceptional.”

Eby concluded with a message of resolve: “Together, we’ll ensure that Canada remains the true north, strong and free. We will meet this moment with dignity and with courage.” The premier’s response marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between B.C. and the United States, underscoring growing economic and political divisions between the two nations.