Describing it as the “most consequential time for our province since the Second World War,” the B.C. government has outlined a broad vision of how to deal with ongoing tariff threats from the United States.
New Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia read the government’s speech from the throne on Tuesday highlighting some of the measures the province is planning to put in place.
“In the face of an unprecedented and unjustified threat to our economy, British Columbians are joining with all Canadians to fight back,” she read, in a speech prepared by the government.
“We’ve come together to support each other and stand up for our country. We are saying with one united voice: We will never be the 51st state. Not now or ever.”
The speech marks the opening of the legislature for the first time since October’s provincial election. Premier David Eby kept his job, barely, by securing 47 seats for the NDP. Under John Rustad’s leadership, the BC Conservatives have 44 seats, and the BC Greens hold two seats.
The B.C. government has been forced to pivot from its legislative agenda due to the threat of 25 per cent tariffs on almost all goods coming from British Columbia into the United States.
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Last week, the province announced it would not be including the $1,000 rebate promised to families during the election campaign because of financial uncertainty caused by the tariff threats.
“Trust has been broken and will not easily be repaired. No matter what the future has in store, one thing has been made clear: We will not leave our future success to the whims of unpredictable forces from beyond our borders. Or leave people here to fend for themselves,” Cocchia read.
“We are at a crossroads. The journey ahead will not be easy. But there is nowhere better positioned to weather the storm and come out the other side stronger than right here in British Columbia.”
British Columbia’s tariff response strategy has three components: strengthening and growing the economy, diversifying trading relationships and responding firmly and forcefully if required.
This includes the creation of a new coalition of leaders in business and labour unions and working with government on a response.
The plan also includes speeding up permitting and regulatory approvals, training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, expanding B.C.’s electricity production and increasing manufacturing opportunities.
“To unlock the incredible potential here in British Columbia, your government is expediting an initial 18 major projects. They include natural gas and clean energy, as well as critical mineral and mining projects worth $20 billion in investment,” Cocchia read.
“These projects are estimated to create more than 8,000 jobs and support families, especially in northern and rural communities.”
Eight of the nine successful clean-energy projects will have 51 per cent First Nations equity ownership. The province is speeding up the process of getting electricity online by exempting new wind-power projects from the environmental assessment process.
The speech also mentions a campaign commitment to boost the television and film sector by committing in Budget 2025 to include increased tax credits for the sector, a change already attracting new production deals.
The B.C. government is also working on removing interprovincial trade barriers, including securing a deal for B.C. wineries to sell directly to customers in Alberta.
Discussions are also underway with Alberta for greater cooperation on trade barriers.
Cocchia said it should not be easier to trade with Washington State than it is to other provinces in Canada.
The budget will be unveiled on March 4, one day after the 30-day reprieve on any tariffs coming into effect.
The goal for the province is to remain competitive, even with uncertainty with the United States.
“The bottom line is this: It should not be easier to buy and sell with Washington State than with our Canadian friends and neighbours,” the speech reads.
“This must change. And change it will.”
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