B.C.’s Minister of Jobs expresses surprise at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in an attempt to ease trade tensions. Ravi Kahlon, the minister, likened the move to a strategic maneuver in a hockey game, unsure if it signals a defensive play or an aggressive stance.
Kahlon confirmed that British Columbia will maintain its own retaliatory measures, such as the ban on U.S. alcohol in government liquor stores. He stated that the province remains skeptical of the Trump administration’s willingness to cooperate.
Carney explained that the tariff exemption for goods covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) aims to align with actions already taken by the U.S., reducing the impact of tariffs on Canadian products significantly.
While Carney’s decision received praise from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed goodwill towards Canada, questions arose about the effectiveness of the tariff removal strategy. Kahlon emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong position in negotiations while acknowledging the federal government’s role in trade discussions.
B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad supported the tariff removal, highlighting the negative impact of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian businesses. The move was met with cautious optimism by local business leaders, who await the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.
The softwood lumber industry, however, remains unaffected by the tariff changes, facing continued challenges with anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Minister Ravi Parmar described the situation as dire for the forestry sector, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach in trade talks.
Rustad proposed a levy on U.S. thermal coal exports to strengthen Canada’s position in softwood lumber discussions. Despite challenges in implementing such measures, the debate underscores the complexities of trade relations between Canada and the U.S.