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Aug 24, 2026 2:59 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press
British Columbia Premier David Eby has backed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to suspend trade negotiations with the United States, saying B.C. stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Canada.
Eby said the latest round of trade talks had exposed the true position of the Trump administration. According to the premier, Washington was seeking to impose conditions that would restrict Canada’s ability to independently negotiate and conduct trade with other countries.
Eby said such conditions would effectively amount to turning Canada into an economic “51st state” of the United States.
The premier said B.C. is prepared to take whatever steps may be necessary as part of Canada’s response to U.S. trade pressure. He emphasized that the province will stand behind the federal government as Canada works to protect its economic interests and sovereignty.
Eby also made it clear that American liquor will not be returning to B.C. government liquor stores at this time. The province previously removed U.S. alcohol products from its shelves in response to American tariffs.
The premier also assured businesses affected by tariffs that his government will continue working with the federal government to provide support and help industries deal with the economic impact of the ongoing trade dispute.
Eby acknowledged that tariffs will cause economic damage and said the effects are already being felt by businesses and workers. However, he argued that Canada must respond to what he described as American bullying rather than simply give in to pressure from Washington.
His comments come after Canada-U.S. trade negotiations broke down, with Ottawa taking a tougher position in response to the latest U.S. tariff measures. The federal government has indicated that Canada is prepared to respond with matching measures if necessary.
Eby’s strong support for Carney’s position signals continued cooperation between Ottawa and B.C. as Canada faces growing economic pressure from the United States and prepares for further measures to protect Canadian businesses and the country’s ability to conduct independent trade.
