Eby urges Ottawa to consider tougher non-tariff measures in U.S. trade dispute

B.C. Premier David Eby is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal government to consider measures beyond retaliatory tariffs in response to the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.

Eby said Canada should consider stronger non-tariff measures and indicated B.C. could impose a surcharge on energy exports to the U.S. or restrict those exports if necessary.

The premier also called on Ottawa to review its plan to purchase U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets. Eby argued that the current trade tensions should prompt a reassessment of the planned multibillion-dollar defence purchase.

Eby also suggested accelerating plans to impose a levy on U.S. coal shipped through the Port of Vancouver or to complete the process of phasing out those shipments.

He described Ottawa’s announced $7.5-billion trade relief package as a good start, but said the process for small businesses to access the support should be made easier.

Eby has also urged Canadians to avoid travelling to the United States as the trade dispute continues.