“HE IS A BLUNT LIAR” — British Columbia Premier David Eby takes aim at Donald Trump after Canada-U.S. trade negotiations were suspended, escalating tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
The suspension of the talks comes amid a growing trade dispute between the United States and Canada, with tariffs, economic pressure and competing demands dominating negotiations.
Eby sharply criticizes Trump’s approach to Canada and the trade confrontation, while Canadian officials push back against Washington’s demands and defend Canada’s economic interests.
In this video, we break down David Eby’s fiery remarks, the collapse of the latest Canada-U.S. trade discussions, Trump’s response and what the escalating trade war could mean for both countries.
Watch the full report for the latest Canada-U.S. trade war, Trump tariffs, Canadian retaliation and the growing political showdown between Ottawa and Washington.
#DavidEby #Canada #Trump #CanadaUS #TradeWar #USCanada #TrumpTariffs #CanadaNews #USNews #DonaldTrump #TradeTalks #Tariffs #CanadianPolitics #BreakingNews #Politics
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The suspension of the talks comes amid a growing trade dispute between the United States and Canada, with tariffs, economic pressure and competing demands dominating negotiations.
Eby sharply criticizes Trump’s approach to Canada and the trade confrontation, while Canadian officials push back against Washington’s demands and defend Canada’s economic interests.
In this video, we break down David Eby’s fiery remarks, the collapse of the latest Canada-U.S. trade discussions, Trump’s response and what the escalating trade war could mean for both countries.
Watch the full report for the latest Canada-U.S. trade war, Trump tariffs, Canadian retaliation and the growing political showdown between Ottawa and Washington.
#DavidEby #Canada #Trump #CanadaUS #TradeWar #USCanada #TrumpTariffs #CanadaNews #USNews #DonaldTrump #TradeTalks #Tariffs #CanadianPolitics #BreakingNews #Politics
~PR.462~HT.408~ED.532~GR.538~VG.HM~
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NewsTranscript
00:00It is clear that the current U.S. administration cannot be trusted, just can't trust Trump.
00:07Even if an agreement had been signed, how long would it have lasted?
00:11For long-term economic security for British Columbians and Canadians, we have to strike
00:16out on our own.
00:17We have to stand on our own two feet.
00:19That was as true two years ago.
00:21Companies they work for are about to be hit by 50% tariffs that are inexplicable and indefensible.
00:36There are many of those workers in British Columbia.
00:39They work for plywood companies, veneer companies.
00:42They produce products made from aluminum.
00:48They produce electronics products.
00:51They produce seeds and shrubs and bulbs for gardeners.
00:57And they provide high-quality products at an affordable price for Americans.
01:04And for doing that, they are now rightly seriously concerned for their jobs.
01:13About two years ago, I shared with British Columbians my perspective that the Trump tariffs are
01:25an economic attack on our province and on our country.
01:29I think the recent developments in this negotiation, I hesitate to even call it that, with the president's
01:40office team, by our hard-working team from the federal government, I think they've really
01:46revealed the true nature of what the Americans are seeking from the White House in terms of their
01:53relationship with Canada.
01:55The suggestion that Canada would not trade with other countries or reduce our trade with other
02:03countries because the Americans tell us to, would reduce us to the economic equivalent of the 51st state.
02:10It was never acceptable to Canadians.
02:13And the Prime Minister and his team rightly walked away from any suggestion that we would agree
02:19to that.
02:22In fact, as Canadians and as British Columbians, what we need to do is the complete opposite.
02:26And it's what we've been doing since this started.
02:32And even before then, we've been diversifying our markets.
02:37We've been doing trade missions to other countries, opening trade offices, finding countries
02:41that want to trade with us because British Columbia and Canada has, in the Prime Minister's words,
02:47what the world wants.
02:49We're proud of that in British Columbia.
02:52And it is how our province has been able to grow despite a full frontal attack
02:58from our closest trading partner and up until this point, our closest ally in the world.
03:06I have shared with the Prime Minister my commitment to the national project that we are on,
03:16on behalf of British Columbians.
03:18That British Columbians will stand strong with Canada.
03:21That we will do our part.
03:23That we understand our advantages in terms of our geographic positioning, the resources we
03:28have and our people.
03:29And that we will use this to the advantage of the entire country to ensure that we weather this moment.
03:37It is clear that the current U.S. administration cannot be trusted.
03:42You just can't trust Trump.
03:44Even if an agreement had been signed, how long would it have lasted?
03:48For long-term economic security for British Columbians and Canadians, we have to strike out on our own.
03:54We have to stand on our own two feet.
03:56That was as true two years ago when this unfair economic attack was launched on us by the United States
04:03as it is today.
04:05I am very proud with how British Columbians and Canadians have responded.
04:10I am devastated by the impact that this will have on hardworking families in British Columbia and across the country
04:16for no reason.
04:18And we will work hard to ensure that those British Columbians are supported and work with the federal government to
04:23ensure all Canadians benefit from living in this incredible country as we build the strong Canada that our kids deserve.
04:32With that, I am happy to take any questions you may have.
04:37Good afternoon.
04:38Thank you, everyone, for joining us here today.
04:40For media on the line, please press star one to enter the queue for one question and one follow-up.
04:47I will now turn it over to Travis with Global News.
04:51Thanks for this, premier.
04:53Wondering what this means for American liquor on our shelves.
04:57Thanks, Travis.
04:58My message to the prime minister and to the American ambassador and to American politicians who have asked has always
05:07been the same.
05:08That once forest families who work in the forest sector in British Columbia are treated fairly, that we would be
05:17happy to put American booze back on the shelves.
05:21Obviously, that is not the case.
05:24And as long as this economic attack continues on our softwood sector, as long as it continues on our economy
05:30here in British Columbia, the booze will not be going back on the shelves.
05:33It's not a complicated message.
05:35It's a straightforward message.
05:38And I would like to see an outcome where our forest products have the same access to the U.S.
05:45market as EU forest products.
05:47Even Russian forest products have better access to the U.S. market right now than Canadian forest products.
05:53And in that environment, the idea that we would be stocking U.S. liquor is absurd.
05:58Yeah, wondering what other retaliatory measures B.C. might have in mind.
06:03Are there any exports you're considering reducing or restricting, including electricity?
06:08Would you reduce sales to the U.S.?
06:10Well, every possible tool, every weapon that can be deployed by the federal government in this economic war that is
06:22being waged on Canada is on the table for British Columbia.
06:28We are doing our part to try to identify ways in which we can support the federal effort to respond
06:34to these unfair and punitive tariffs that are going to make life more expensive for Canadians and hurt B.C.
06:39families, hurt Canadian families.
06:41And we know the federal government is doing work as well to identify sectors that they would like to tariff
06:47to respond to the president's unfair actions against Canadians.
06:52Whatever we can do in B.C. to support, we will.
06:54And we'll also work with the federal government to make sure that if B.C. has to bear a disproportionate
07:00burden, that we also see that support come back from the federal government in terms of making sure that businesses
07:06here are kept as whole as possible.
07:09There is no question that there will be economic pain associated with this.
07:14There already is.
07:15But it is necessary to stand up to a bully.
07:18And if you don't, they'll just keep coming back for more.
07:20And so I am fully supportive of the Prime Minister's approach here.
07:25And I'll go to Jack with City News.
07:29Thank you, Premier.
07:30I'm wondering, you described this as an economic war.
07:33What are we doing to help support the businesses here on the home front who might specifically be, have their
07:38livelihoods put in jeopardy with these new tariffs?
07:41Yeah, thanks, Jack.
07:43One of the key topics of conversation in the First Minister's meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister LeBlanc was
07:51supporting businesses that are affected by these new tariffs, particularly given that these are small and medium-sized businesses.
07:58The businesses that are likely to be most affected by this in British Columbia might have 20 to 50 employees.
08:05They don't have huge resources to navigate complicated bureaucratic processes in order to be able to access federal supports.
08:13And so one of the messages that I was glad to hear the Prime Minister raise is that they're looking
08:18at ways to deliver federal support for affected businesses in ways that are more accessible to smaller businesses with less
08:26bureaucracy and application processes.
08:28So that will be a key part of our work with the federal government to harmonize our efforts with theirs
08:32and to make sure they're as available as possible for some of the smallest enterprises in BC that will be
08:37affected by this.
08:41We know that this is an urgent matter.
08:44We've seen the trade talks, you know, really be going full speed for the past while.
08:48This is their closest trading partner.
08:51You mentioned maybe not necessarily their closest ally anymore.
08:54But just with how significant this is and how important it is to reach our partners,
08:58it's a resolution.
08:59But your characterization of Trump as a bully, inability to trust any deal that is reached,
09:04is our best play here to punt and wait until a new administration is in office?
09:08And, you know, can we hold on for another two years?
09:12Yeah, these are important questions.
09:14I think the reality for workers in Canada is that they are being hurt by this.
09:21Just like Americans are being hurt by higher prices.
09:23And it's also affecting American businesses and slowing the growth of their economy.
09:28So everybody is being hurt by this, which is why it was important for the Prime Minister and for Minister
09:33LeBlanc to work with Washington and try to find a path forward for an agreement.
09:39To minimize the harm.
09:42The reality that manifested that there couldn't be an agreement, that we couldn't agree to the terms the Americans were
09:47put forward was unfortunate.
09:48It's bad news for everybody in North America, without question.
09:53But the message that I've been delivering on behalf of British Columbians and that I've heard from my colleagues across
09:58the country is that no deal is better than a bad deal.
10:02A bad deal runs the risk of entrenching a set of tariffs and charges and capitulations that will be very
10:10hard to undo in the long term.
10:12And the default in the last four decades plus in Canada has been an open, free trading relationship with the
10:22United States.
10:23It's what brings benefits to all of us.
10:25And so ultimately, the hope is, my hope is, that with a change in administration, or a change in approach
10:33from this administration following the electoral impacts that they're seeing currently,
10:39that we'll be able to get to a place of stability.
10:41But I think the idea that our relationship with the United States is going to go back to what it
10:44was is folly.
10:46It has changed.
10:48It will not go back.
10:49And as a result, we have to do the uncomfortable but necessary work of reaching out and increasing our trade
10:55diversification around the world to ensure that we will not be held hostage in the way that the president is
11:00trying to right now.
11:03By the fact that we've been willing to integrate with the American economy to the extent that we did.
11:10We'll go to the phone lines next, starting with Mike from the Globe and Mail.
11:15Go ahead, Mike.
11:19You touched on the demand to have a say in Canadian trade.
11:26What were other demands that were deal breakers for you?
11:31There were a couple of components that were important to me, Mike.
11:36First of all, British Columbia, our manufacturers, when they use metal products, they often use American steel or steel from
11:48other parts of the world because it's very expensive to ship steel across Canada.
11:52And so our manufacturing sector has already taken a significant hit around steel.
11:57So in terms of discussion around additional tariffs on steel internationally, coming to Canada, that would have a direct effect
12:04on manufacturers.
12:05So some accommodation for that.
12:07Bit of a technical issue, but an important one for manufacturers in our province, an important one in terms of
12:12infrastructure in the province.
12:13But the key issue for me and the dominant one has been the completely unfair, bizarre national security threat to
12:23the United States that apparently our lumber sector presents to them.
12:27The fact that our wood products can only access the U.S. market at tariff rates that exceed the tariff
12:35rates charged to Russia is profoundly unfair.
12:39And there was not a world in which British Columbia would be putting U.S. booze back on the shelf
12:44if there wasn't constructive and meaningful progress on reducing those tariffs for our timber sector.
12:49It's completely unfair.
12:50It's bizarre.
12:51It's costing jobs in the U.S.
12:52It's driving up costs for people who just want to do a renovation on their home, build a deck, or
12:57build a place to live in in the United States.
13:00And so the message from us was pretty clear the softwood lumber tariffs needed to be a key part of
13:07the discussion and had to be showing progress in order to be able for British Columbia to be able to
13:13put U.S. booze back on the shelf.
13:16Do you have a follow-up, Mike?
13:19Always.
13:20Thanks.
13:21Another thing is a couple of days ago you missed the first minister's meeting.
13:27Can you explain how and why that happened and whether that had any impact?
13:33Yeah, these are meetings that are called on short notice.
13:36I was in an area of what I would describe as spotty internet and cell service.
13:42For example, this morning's meeting three premiers attended through deputy premiers.
13:47The deputy premier was able to attend.
13:49I wasn't able to attend in the way that I wanted to for such an important meeting and I think
13:53she did a good and capable job of it.
13:54But in order to receive the update from the prime minister, it's not my understanding that that led to the
14:02collapse in the trade negotiations.
14:04We'll go next to Thomas with Bloomberg.
14:08Go ahead, Thomas.
14:10Hi, Premier.
14:12You said a few weeks ago that it isn't right that the U.S. should tariff forestry but also seek
14:18Canadian critical minerals at the same time.
14:20And listening to Premier Ford this morning, he was also talking about Canada's mineral wealth.
14:26Is there some specific idea that you are batting around with other premiers and the prime minister around using them
14:31as leverage, either export taxes or some other kinds of controls?
14:37Thanks for the question, Thomas.
14:38Well, I just note the absurdity of the current U.S. position.
14:41You know, the ambassadors up here holding meetings with mining companies, trying to find secure supply chains for American business
14:49that will feed in the rare earth elements, the minerals and metals that they need to be able to produce
14:55their products to grow their economy.
14:57And doing that at the exact same time as the president is attacking key sectors of the Canadian economy and
15:04the British Columbia economy.
15:06The idea that you can simultaneously attack Canadians and also benefit from what's in Canada, which the rest of the
15:16world also wants, is an absurd one.
15:18It makes no sense.
15:19And it is reflective of this administration's entire approach to their relationship with Canada.
15:24They want to have all the benefits of a relationship with Canada, but they also, you know, want to punish
15:31Canadian workers, to bully us, to tell us who we can trade with.
15:36It is the definition of an abusive relationship.
15:40They cannot have a positive relationship with Canada and benefit from what is in this country while at the same
15:48time attacking us, running us down and saying that they want to take us over.
15:52And so that contradiction is one that needs to be addressed in terms of the American administration, because from my
16:01perspective, in terms of Canada having what the world needs, we got lots of other dance partners out there.
16:08And we'll be doing a lot of work here in British Columbia.
16:10I know the federal government will to be expanding our trade around the world.
16:15And, you know, the Americans can make up a decision about where they'd like to go.
16:19But that'll be without Canada, in my opinion.
16:22Do you have a follow up, Thomas?
16:26Yeah, and I thank you for that answer, Premier.
16:28So is there any kind of control or restriction being contemplated?
16:32Or is it more about more aggressively pursuing other customers for copper, nickel, iron, all these things?
16:40As I said before, every tool is on the table for British Columbia.
16:44We are fully supportive of the federal government's effort to identify sectors that will bring to the attention of the
16:50Americans the importance of our trade relationship and how it benefits all of us.
16:53Because the Americans, to put it politely, are taking us for granted.
16:59And they don't clearly understand how significant and entrenched our relationship is and how much they benefit from it.
17:08I am full speed ahead in terms of how can British Columbia help?
17:17How can we pitch into this federal effort across the country to get the Americans attention as they levy 50
17:23% tariffs on sectors in Canada that will cost jobs here and will cost Americans more money at the end
17:30of the day.
17:31And critical minerals are certainly part of that.
17:35We can't have a country that wants increased security and stability for themselves while creating instability and uncertainty in British
17:44Columbia and Canada.
17:45We'll go next to Alyssa with the Fraser Valley today.
17:49Go ahead, Alyssa.
17:52Hi, thank you.
17:54So how is the province supporting BC's especially trade-exposed cities like Abbotsford, which more than 90% of local
18:02exporters mainly ship out to the US?
18:06It's an important question.
18:07And on our math, British Columbia is one of the most exposed provinces to this recent round of tariffs.
18:16And overall, in Canada, one of the most exposed to the Americans trade war against us to date since Trump
18:26took office.
18:28The disproportionate impact on British Columbia of the President's actions, as well as the disproportionate impact on our province of
18:35federal counter tariffs, particularly on steel and metal products, is a conversation that we've been engaged in with the Prime
18:42Minister regularly.
18:43It did lead to the prosperity agreement and the significant work by the federal government to support British Columbia, critical
18:52infrastructure development of major investment projects that we are very proud of that will assist with trade.
18:59All of those pieces work together and we will have to work closely with the federal government on ensuring that
19:07Abbotsford businesses, the businesses in every corner of British Columbia that engage in export that are affected by this are
19:14supported through this challenging time.
19:16I struggle to believe that this current approach from the United States will last given the impact on costs it's
19:22having on consumers there.
19:23This is a 50% tax on Americans on plywood and veneer as just one example.
19:30But it is reality now and it will cost jobs now and so those businesses need support now.
19:36The Prime Minister understands that clearly.
19:38I underlined British Columbia's position in our conversation this morning about the supports that are needed and I feel that
19:43the federal government gets it and they'll be here for those businesses in partnership with the province.
19:49Do you have a follow-up, Melissa?
19:53Are there any inter-provincial measures being taken to support those smaller businesses?
19:59Yes, the provincial trade ministers are meeting next week.
20:04British Columbia will continue to advocate for free trade across the country, including support for other provinces joining the Western
20:13free trade agreement that we have with other provinces in Western Canada.
20:16And also support for the federal government creating an opt-in structure where other provinces can opt-in for free
20:22trade against across the country.
20:23We need to be our own best customer.
20:25We need to be buying from each other.
20:27And it's something British Columbia is a strong supporter of that will benefit BC businesses for that question.
20:32OK, we have time for one last question and we'll go to Jared with Sitka Media.
20:38Hi, Premier.
20:38So everyone's made it pretty clear that the issue is with the American government, not with the people.
20:43But there are a number of American investors in BC resource projects who might support the current administration.
20:50You said everything is on the table.
20:53Would you consider maybe limiting the ability of those who are propping up this administration to invest in BC's resources?
21:03The key interest and the key value that I think British Columbians would support and I think that Canadians support
21:14is that we're all going to work together as a country to do two things.
21:18One is to strengthen ourselves as a country so that we're less dependent on the United States and our kids
21:23don't find themselves in a similar position ever again.
21:26And that's in trade diversification, it's building up our infrastructure and so on.
21:32The other piece is, man, is it frustrating to have a country that gets so much good stuff from Canada
21:40and then turns around and treats us like something they found on the bottom of their shoe.
21:45And so we need to send a message to them to stop taking Canada, stop taking British Columbia and all
21:52the provinces and territories for granted.
21:54And whatever tools are available to do that, British Columbia is game for that.
22:01And I have expressed that to the Prime Minister.
22:03He and his team are putting together an initial list.
22:05We're providing feedback to them.
22:08And we will support that effort.
22:10There will be pain involved and we will work with the federal government in mitigating that as soon as possible.
22:14We will support them as best we can.
22:15But it is nothing compared to what we would face in the long term becoming a colony of the U
22:20.S.
22:22The issue is very much about ensuring fair treatment for British Columbians and Canadians.
22:29And one of the ways that BC in particular can end its reliance on the U.S. is to have
22:35more value added manufacturing.
22:38Minister Parmar, he talked about that a little bit a few weeks ago.
22:41But given these recent developments, is that something you're going to be pushing more for?
22:46Yeah, thanks.
22:46And that's an important question.
22:47You know, this newest set of tariffs that has just taken effect squarely targets a sector of the wood economy
22:56in British Columbia that we've been trying to build up, which is manufacturing.
23:00Trying to get more jobs for tree for the forest sector.
23:03We've had good success in that.
23:05We've supported additional investment from forest companies to buy equipment to be able to build things like furniture, flooring, building
23:11materials from wood products, create more jobs.
23:14And this new tariff targets that specifically.
23:19So for a sector that is already feeling significant strain of low global prices, to have this new tariff is
23:26quite devastating for those companies that put that foot forward.
23:30But it also underlines how absolutely crucial it is that we're building relationships with other countries to increase that trade.
23:36And how important the free trade agreement, for example, with India is.
23:39India has a 10% tariff on Canadian wood products.
23:42A free trade agreement with India opens that entire market up to Canadian wood products.
23:48So this is the kind of work that we're pushing for, recognizing that the United States under this president will
23:53be an unreliable trading partner for the near term.
23:56And all we can hope is not for the long term.
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