Kootenay-Rockies MLA Pete Davis hopes the 25 per cent tariff levied against most Canadian imports into the United States will provoke improved inter-provincial trade.
“This is going to give us a really good opportunity to start thinking about Canada and a free trade agreement in our own country,” said Davis.
“I think we need to look at negotiating a Canada-wide free trade agreement, where we can start working together. It’s going to make things a lot easier for all of us because right now, we rely on a lot of stuff coming up from the US.”
On Monday, February 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the looming tariffs would be delayed by 30 days.
In the face of economic threats, Davis says B.C. needs to focus on making its own economy more robust. This has been a stance in Premier David Eby’s response regarding the tariff threats.
“I think we need to look at getting our own economy back up and running in British Columbia. I know Eby said a couple of things about that, which I really like to hear. We’re going to have to make sure that actually happens,” said Davis.
“We need to get back to our legislature and start implementing a fiscal emergency plan.”
Davis says Canada should also work on strengthening its border security, one of the reasons US President Donald Trump cited for the tariffs.
“We need to make sure we look at making our borders are secure, and we make sure to stop the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs coming into our province,” said Davis.
“We can’t let this stuff come into our province and our country.”
Davis says the looming threat of tariffs is affecting residents and businesses as well as governments.
“Everyone is uncomfortable, it’s a time of uncertainty. How long is this going to last – a couple of weeks, months or years? These are things people are going to start getting worried about,” said Davis.
The BC Conservatives sent a 10-point action plan to the BC NDP in hopes the government would consider their stance.
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