Image: B.C. Premier David Eby addressing the media following announcements of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods imported into the United States. / Flickr / B.C. Government

By Jennifer Blatherwick, NDP MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Standing up for British Columbians

Mar 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM

Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on energy, essentially declaring economic war. Now more than ever, we need to work together to support each other.

I introduced a motion in the legislature so MLAs on all sides of the house could unite to support British Columbians by standing up to Trump and working together to strengthen our economy. It is disappointing that five Conservative MLAs did not stand with us. They voted against standing with British Columbians.

We live in the greatest province in the best country on earth, and British Columbians expect the people they elected to work together to have their backs.

When I talk to people in my community, and my friends and family across Canada, it’s clear that this issue is at the very top of people’s minds.

Premier David Eby is committed to easing the economic uncertainty that Trump’s tariffs bring, while also standing firm and working with other provinces to break down trade barriers. Canada will never be the 51st state.

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David is meeting regularly with other premiers, the Prime Minister and US lawmakers to discuss our response to the Trump tariff attack. He’s also brought together an unprecedented coalition to ensure government takes action on recommendations that can help industry, labour and First Nations.

All of government is working together to strengthen our local economy to be more resilient, accelerating targeted projects, working closely with other provinces to break down trade barriers and creating closer relationships with countries across the globe. Our goal is to make sure there are good jobs to support families across this beautiful province.

Tuesday morning, the Premier announced our counter-measures targeted to send a clear message to the White House – that tariffs hurt people and businesses on both sides of the border, and we will not back down.

We pride ourselves in being good neighbours, and we love our friends and family across the border, but this attack threatens our sovereignty and responding with retaliatory measures is necessary.

We know the weight of these tariffs will be carried on the backs of everyday British Columbians and the most vulnerable people in our communities, which is why it’s more important than ever that we put political stripes aside to respond.

That’s why John Rustad’s recent actions are such a strong disappointment.

Instead of working together to stand united for what is best for the people in our province against an incredibly large and serious threat, John Rustad and his party attempted to force an election last week that British Columbians don’t want.

No British Columbian I have spoken to wants to jump back into the uncertainty of an election, they want their elected officials to take the “Team Canada” approach in fighting against this threat.

No matter what John Rustad and the B.C. Conservatives want to do, our top priority remains standing strong for people here in B.C.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.