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‘May be a thawing’ between Canada and U.S., B.C. premier says after tariff court ruling

Click to play video: 'B.C. reaction to U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling'
B.C. reaction to U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling
B.C's premier and jobs minister are reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down many of Donald Trump's tariffs, but they warn that ruling won't do much to help struggling B.C. businesses. Aaron McArthur reports – Feb 20, 2026

B.C. Premier David Eby said on Friday that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs was a win for British Columbians and Canadians.

“There are signs of spring… there may be a thawing in some of this challenge that we faced and the willingness of those that hold the checks and balances of power in the United States to stand up for the relationship that we have valued over the years,” Eby said.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Trump overstepped his presidential authority by imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and other countries under emergency powers, striking down a central economic and diplomatic strategy that has upended global trade.

A majority of the justices sided with lower courts that had found Trump improperly used tariffs to respond to national emergencies he declared over fentanyl trafficking in North America and international trade deficits, the latter of which led to so-called “reciprocal” tariffs against dozens of nations.

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The law Trump used to exercise that authority, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA), “does not authorize the President to impose tariffs,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

Click to play video: 'B.C. reaction to tariff deal with China'
B.C. reaction to tariff deal with China

Eby made clear, however, that Friday’s ruling does not mean B.C. businesses will see any meaningful impact.

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“The tariffs that were imposed by the president on Canada and British Columbia, there’s two kinds,” he said.

“The tariffs that were struck down today, but also national security tariffs. And it’s the national security tariffs that are impacting our lumber and our manufactured wood products like cabinets and countertops, as well as aluminum that’s produced up in Kitimat.

“Those tariffs were not struck down today. But this court decision does open the door to a potential challenge related to the softwood national security tariffs.”

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— With files from Global News’ Sean Boynton and Ariel Rabinovitch

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