The B.C. government has introduced legislation aimed at swiftly responding to escalating tariff threats from the United States, a move designed to bolster interprovincial trade and safeguard local economies.
The Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, tabled by Premier David Eby, would grant temporary powers to the provincial cabinet to address the economic impacts of recent U.S. tariffs. The measures include removing internal trade barriers within Canada, imposing fees on non-Canadian commercial vehicles using provincial infrastructure, and directing public-sector entities to shift procurement away from U.S. suppliers.
“President Donald Trump doesn’t care about the devastating effect his chaotic actions are having on Canadian and American families alike,” said Premier David Eby. “We are arming ourselves with the tools we need to respond swiftly, break down trade barriers within Canada, and strengthen our economy.”
If passed, the bill would enable immediate actions such as temporarily amending provincial laws and regulations to mitigate impacts from foreign-imposed tariffs. The government emphasized that these powers will not override permitting processes, environmental assessments, or Indigenous consultation requirements.
“People throughout our province and country are angry at this unprovoked, unjust attack from our closest international friend and ally,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma. “We continue to hope for this rift with the U.S. to be healed, even as we use our full legal authority to protect the people and interests of British Columbia and Canada.”
The bill includes a sunset clause, automatically repealing the act by May 28, 2027, at the latest. Regular reports to the legislature will be required to maintain transparency.
B.C. has already undertaken actions such as pulling American liquor products from provincial stores and increasing Canadian biofuel content requirements for transportation fuels.
The proposed legislation aligns with broader Canadian efforts to promote interprovincial trade and reduce economic dependence on American goods and services.
