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Stock photo courtesy of the B.C. Government / Flickr
By Liam Verster
Tariff Threat Preparations

Provincial cabinet committee formed to respond to tariff threats

Jan 29, 2025 | 12:30 PM

The B.C. Government is taking steps to be ready for potential tariff threats from the United States.

The province said Premier David Eby formed a new cabinet committee was established to act as what the office of the premier called a”war room” to coordinate actions that fight back against tariff threats and protect British Columbians and the economy.

“The proposed U.S. tariffs are a direct attack on B.C.’s families,” Eby said.

“This threat isn’t going away anytime soon – not while this president is in power. Every minister has an important role to play in fighting back. Minister Kahlon brings deep experience in government to the table and is uniquely positioned to co-ordinate this work across government ministries.”

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, was named the chair of the committee, which also consisted of:

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  • Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
  • Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance
  • Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions
  • Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food
  • Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
  • Rick Glumac, Minister of State for Trade
  • Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests
  • Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals
  • Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.

“We didn’t ask for this fight, but B.C. will not be bullied,” Kahlon said.

“My colleagues and I will work shoulder to shoulder with workers, business and community leaders to meet this moment.”

The province had previously devised a three-point strategy to address the tariff threats. Those actions involved outreach to American decision-makers, strengthening B.C.’s economy by expediting projects and supporting workers and industries, and diversifying trade market partners to be less reliant on the U.S.

by Liam Verster
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