Eby’s Plan to Tackle Tariffs: Respond, Strengthen, and Diversify 

Against the backdrop of a First Ministers’ meeting beginning today to respond to President-elect Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, last night B.C. Premier David Eby outlined his vision for British Columbia’s economic future at the Natural Resources Forum in Prince George.  

Highlighting 60 major industrial projects underway in the province and promising new initiatives to streamline approval processes, the Premier provided insights into what he and his new team of ministers have been working on since last fall’s election. 

Streamlining Permitting and Regulatory Processes 

Premier Eby emphasized a 35 per cent reduction in mining permitting times under his government and promised legislation this spring to make the BC Energy Regulator serve as a single-window authority for approving energy transmission projects. He said the changes will simplify processes and ensure timely progress for critical energy infrastructure. 

Eby’s speech comes just days after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, following a visit to Mar-a-Lago with Trump, said she opposes any retaliatory action against the U.S. on trade. 

It also comes days before Trump’s January 20 inauguration. Trump has said repeatedly that he will introduce 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods almost immediately after he is sworn in. 

With those issues in mind, Eby announced a plan that he claims is workable, flexible, and can be quickly adapted to a changing trade environment. 

Eby’s Response to Tariffs: 

In his address to the most important movers and shakers in B.C.’s natural resources sector, Eby announced a three-pronged strategy to respond to U.S. tariff action: 

1. Respond: Advocate for retaliatory measures, including possibly halting exports of critical minerals that the U.S. needs, and engage with U.S. leaders to reinforce economic interdependence. 
2. Strengthen: Enhance B.C.’s economic flexibility through workforce training, manufacturing growth, and clean energy investments. 
3. Diversify: Expand trade partnerships beyond the U.S. to reduce reliance on a single market. 

The Premier recommitted to further diversify exports, by continuing to grow trade relationships in Asia and Europe and said infrastructure upgrades and enhanced port collaboration are integral to maintaining these efforts. 

Eby also promised to build on B.C.’s momentum on clean energy projects, such as wind and hydroelectric initiatives, and position B.C. as a leader in low-carbon industrial development following BC Hydro’s recent call for renewable energy generation proposals. 

Premier Eby’s address emphasized collaboration, innovation, and resilience as keys to B.C.’s economic growth. By supporting partnerships, streamlining processes, and diversifying markets, he promised the sold-out event that the province is well-positioned to address challenges and seize opportunities.  

 “There’s no question we’re having a moment right now with the incoming U.S. administration … but we are also a proud and independent country, and while we are proud of our products, and they are absolutely for sale.; this country is not for sale,” he said.  

“Over the next four years, our government wants to be partners with you in increasing the prosperity of the province.”   

There is no doubt that Premier Eby’s words were the kind that most in the resource sector came to hear. While they understand the potential economic and political uncertainty caused by Trump’s trade policies, they remain anxious to see how Eby’s government will deliver on his new economic vision.