British Columbia Premier David Eby says the “situation in the federal government” following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement means the Canadian prime minister is taking the lead in the fight against threatened tariffs by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. said to mean.
Eby said Tuesday that he and other prime ministers will travel to Washington, where President Trump takes office this month, to meet with U.S. decision-makers and persuade the president-elect to back away from the tariff plan.
Eby’s comments in Vancouver came at President Trump’s first press conference since his election victory was certified, threatening to use economic muscle to make Canada the 51st state and imposing significant tariffs on Canada and Mexico. It was announced on the same day that he continued to promise to impose it.
Eby said provincial and territorial leaders are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss how they will work together in light of Trudeau’s announcement this week that he would step down from his post once a new Liberal leader is elected. He said he plans to discuss whether it is possible.
“Given the current federal situation, leadership on this file rests with the prime ministers across Canada, and we will continue that effort,” he said.
Eby said the prime minister would argue that the proposed tariffs would “mean significant price increases for Americans” such as housing and electricity bills.
The dates of the trade mission have not been determined.
President Trump previously said he would impose 25% tariffs on imports from the United States’ closest neighbors unless the country stopped illegal drugs and immigrants from crossing the border.
Eby said the tariffs were “totally unjust” and that border issues could be resolved without them.
“It makes no sense to punish both Americans and Canadians for addressing this issue. We can do it together,” Eby said.
“There’s no snowballing chance that Canada will become part of the United States,” Trudeau said on social media early Tuesday.
Mr. Eby said Canada would not join the United States.
“Canadians are proud. I’m proud to be Canadian. We’re not going to be the 51st province,” he said.
“One of the perceptions of both Canadians and Americans is that although we are in different places and have different priorities, we are still good neighbors and friends and in many cases family. I think so.”
The House of Commons in Ottawa will be in session until March 24, and many expect a new Liberal leader to be sworn in by then.
British Columbia MPs are not expected to return to the House of Commons until mid-February.
Eby said there was “no question” that Congress would be recalled immediately if coordination with Ottawa is needed on the tariff response.
“So if, for example, a retaliatory action required state legislation, or if there was a cooperative border initiative that required state legislation, we would not hesitate,” he said.
“No such proposal has been made yet. We will be speaking with prime ministers across Canada this Wednesday to ensure coordination. And I am confident that even if the prime minister resigns, the federal government will respond in good faith.” We hope that you can participate in a meaningful way as we move forward. ”
— With files from Kelly Geraldine Malone in Washington.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025.
