Eby says B.C. businesses could access $1.5B fund if U.S. tariffs proceed

B.C. Premier David Eby says local businesses affected by threatened new U.S. tariffs could access a $1.5-billion federal emergency fund.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said tariffs of up to 50 per cent could be imposed on Canadian products, including wood products. Eby said Prime Minister Mark Carney told him the fund has not been exhausted and should have sufficient regional capacity if the tariffs proceed on Aug. 19.

Speaking from Charlottetown after meeting with Carney and other first ministers, Eby said the prospect of tariffs is already imposing costs on B.C. businesses through uncertainty. He said governments discussed possible responses and that provinces which removed U.S. alcohol from store shelves have no desire to reverse that step.

Eby also raised B.C.’s softwood lumber sector and said premiers from provinces with major softwood industries will hold a separate meeting.