President Donald Trump’s looming tariff threats have prompted British Columbia’s provincial government to take a more pro-energy approach to reduce its reliance on the United States.
As one of British Columbia Premier David Eby’s responses to the tariffs, he pledged that the province is reviewing $20 billion worth of pending private-sector projects. The province aims to accelerate approvals by streamlining the process. Eby said the projects are expected to create 6,000 jobs in rural and remote communities if approved.
The CBC reported that the projects will consist of 18 energy, mining, and critical mineral resource projects.
Eby said that British Columbia’s and Canada’s best defence against being made a 51st state against their will was to build a strong, independent economy. For his province, he said that means accelerating key projects, dealing with existing structural problems, and addressing the needs of various groups sitting around the tariff and economic table.
He said his government identified projects close to shovel-ready that are being held up by administrative or regulatory delays and has begun expediting the process.
“The list will grow. There are a number of projects that we’re looking at and working with key stakeholders on, and the goal here is to really accelerate those projects that will assist us in getting people employed and supporting families in rural communities, and in diversifying our economy and strengthening the Canadian economy as a whole,” said Eby. “Assuming that we’re going to see four years of continual on and off tariff threats from the president, we need to be a stable environment for British Columbians and Canadians, and we’re going to do that.”
CBC listed some of the projects. They include various mining site revivals and expansions, natural gas exports, and the building of two 213-kilometre pipelines.
British Columbia’s NDP government previously decided against using natural gas for power generation, which led to concerns that the province could face power shortages by 2026 due to an increase in electricity demand.
While Eby swore in his new cabinet following his slim victory in Oct., the B.C. Conservatives called the new government a continuation of Eby’s “radical” left-wing” policies.
Poilievre said that the federal Liberals’ anti-oil and gas policies made Canada vulnerable to Trump.
While Eby is taking a more pro-energy stance, he is also taking an anti-Trump position.
He said that ever since Trump’s first post on Truth Social, he caused harm to the Canadian economy.
“Mr. Trump’s strategy around this is deliberate. There’s an intention to destroy Canada’s economy and drive us into becoming the 51st state,” said Eby. “I find it reprehensible, inexplicable, and profoundly disappointing.”
Eby said that the one-month tariff pause isn’t enough time to completely sever reliance on the United States. Still, the province will support businesses and break down internal trade barriers nationwide to build Canada up.
In 2023, 54% of B.C.’s exports were sent to the U.S. Wood, pulp and paper, metallic mineral, and energy productions make up around 67% of total goods exports combined.
“The top five states for B.C.’s exports were: Washington ($9.8 billion), California ($3.2 billion), Illinois ($2.1 billion), Texas ($1.5 billion), Oregon ($1.3 billion),” reads the province’s press release.
He also said that Canada should begin trading with other European and Asian countries.
“It’s just a matter of time before the president turns his attention to those countries, and we want to make sure that we are working together to respond,” said Eby.
He said that British Columbia is planning trade missions abroad to reach new markets and that the province has existing trade offices in Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Eby added that the province will do more to bolster its ports.
“We have a huge advantage here in British Columbia with our geographic positioning. The instability that the Americans seem committed to create in the global economy is an opportunity for us to build new relationships and to offer that stable, responsible, consistent supply of critical minerals, metals and other materials around the world,” said Eby.
“We know that we have what the world needs, and we’re going to use that to our advantage to strengthen our economy here at home and strengthen the Canadian economy as a whole.”
