With the implementation of 25 per cent tariffs by the United States on Canadian imports, Premier David Eby must take more action to protect British Columbia’s economy, says Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare.
According to Clare, the premier’s response falls short, claiming the government’s own policies have weakened B.C.’s ability to compete and left businesses, workers, and families vulnerable. The premier must adopt the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act, put forward by the Conservatives, to spur much-needed economic growth, he said.
The Conservatives say the proposed legislation would:
- Remove restrictions on trade in goods, services, and investments between British Columbia and other provinces and territories.
- Recognize equivalent certifications from other provinces, allowing skilled workers and service providers to operate in B.C. without unnecessary re-licensing or additional testing.
- Ensure regulatory cooperation between licensing bodies to facilitate seamless worker mobility and business operations.
“While I support policies that genuinely benefit British Columbians, much more is needed from the provincial government to rectify the damage their own policies are doing to our economy,” Clare said “Premier Eby talks about standing up for B.C., yet his government’s policies have made the province less competitive, discouraged investment, and left industries exposed to external shocks. He has created conditions that make it harder to survive and grow.”
“The premier stated today that these tariffs will especially affect more rural and remote areas like Prince George-North Cariboo, and yet policies like the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the incoming Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) are creating uncertainty in the private sector and driving investment away from the economic sectors like mining in our province. Neither industry nor First Nations are happy with what they see in the MCCF.”