With the ongoing tariff threats, BC is at its most consequential time since World War 2.
That warning is from today’s speech from the throne, which outlined the provincial government’s plan to defend residents from the impacts of US tariffs.
It was delivered by BC’s new Lieutenant Governor, Wendy Cocchia, who says in its first four weeks the Trump administration has taken Canada on a rollercoaster ride.
“We must be prepared for this to continue for the next four years,” said Cocchia.
“The historic bond between Canada and the United States has been strained in profound ways. Trust has been broken and will not easily be repaired. One thing has been made clear, we will not leave our future success to the whims of unpredictable forces from beyond our borders or leave people here to fend for themselves.”
Cocchia says a tariff war would be devastating to families on both sides of the border.
“Tariffs on top of softwood lumber duties would increase the price of homes for Americans,” said Cocchia.
“Attacks on our food exports would mean expensive groceries at the check-out for working US families.”
To make the economy more agile and durable, the province will start by executing a Made in BC plan today.
The plan would include speeding up permitting and regulatory approvals, training new tradespeople, and expanding electricity production.
Other initiatives include new trade missions to diversify where BC sells its products, introducing new laws to get energy and critical infrastructure built faster, focus on economic security through a new budget, and to be ready to fight back if necessary to prevent a trade war.
