Trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada were halted by President Donald Trump, leading to disagreements among Canadian premiers on prioritizing tariff-affected industries. The auto industry in Ontario clashed with the canola industry in the prairies, while B.C. raised concerns about the lumber industry’s neglect. Despite Trump’s actions fostering a more unified stance across provinces, underlying tensions persist alongside existing tariffs.
Here is an overview of the industries facing the most significant threats from tariffs in each province and the statements made by premiers as Canada seeks to navigate new trade relations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who says he hasn’t spoken to Donald Trump since the U.S. president cut off trade talks with Canada, took questions while at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia on Monday. Hear Carney’s answers on trade, Trump and whether Canada has a contingency plan.
British Columbia
Highlighting the federal government’s alleged oversight of the lumber industry, B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the need for urgent attention to forest-related challenges. Eby’s concerns arose following the Trump administration’s imposition of additional tariffs on timber and lumber, exacerbating existing trade pressures.
While B.C.’s primary U.S. export remains energy and minerals, wood products rank closely behind, supporting over 100,000 jobs in the forestry sector, as stated by the B.C. Lumber Trade Council.
B.C.’s premier says the province is making ads to “defend British Columbians” and Canada’s forestry industry against U.S. tariffs. As Johna Baylon reports, it comes as Ontario pulls its own ad off the air after it angered U.S. President Donald Trump and caused him to terminate trade