Victoria (Richa Walia): British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, has called on the federal government to “negotiate hard” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent.
Kahlon said Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc must stay the course. “Keep your head down, stay at the table, and find solutions without getting distracted by the day-to-day swings of the U.S. president,” he urged.
Premier David Eby’s office also released a statement emphasizing that his priority remains protecting BC workers and businesses from what he called “deeply harmful tariffs,” while expressing support for Ottawa’s efforts to secure “a good deal for Canada.”
US Tariffs Take Effect After Deadline
The United States imposed the 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Aug. 1 deadline for a deal expired. By contrast, the U.K. and European Union managed to reach agreements with Washington before the cutoff.
Kahlon accused Trump of “constantly finding ways to raise the temperature so they can squeeze out the most” in negotiations. He stressed that B.C.’s softwood lumber industry must receive the same federal backing as Ontario’s auto sector. “The forest sector here in British Columbia should get the same support,” he said.
Softwood Lumber Dispute Remains Sticking Point
The long-standing softwood lumber dispute remains unresolved. Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association of B.C., noted that the industry is already burdened by nearly 35 per cent in combined tariffs and duties.
“We’ve been at this for eight years, and there’s not enough push from the American side to resolve it,” Menzies said. He added that Canada must hold firm: “It’s better to get a good deal than a bad deal. People respect those who stand up for what’s important to them.”
Uncertainty Over US Trade Commitments
Both Kahlon and Menzies expressed concerns about Trump’s unpredictable approach to trade. “We take nothing for granted,” Kahlon said. “It’s a sad state for Canada to have a partner down south that doesn’t honour a handshake or an agreement.”
He also noted that even the U.K. and EU remain unsure whether their recent deals with Washington will hold. “The uncertainty continues,” Kahlon warned.
