Premier David Eby held nothing back, calling the U.S. president’s escalating tariff policies “a recipe for mutual assured destruction.”
Eby said, “The last time we saw this was in the 1930s, and it led to a global economic depression that devastated the world’s economy for nearly a generation. We don’t need to live through that again.”
“This time, the cuts are hurting small businesses. They’re affecting families on both sides of the border.”

According to Eby, B.C. is bearing nearly 20 percent of the impact from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs.
“Our geographic position as a coastal province gives us challenges in the tariff policy that other provinces don’t face.”
“The additional retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminum are affecting us. It’s a different scenario than in other provinces, and we expect the federal government to recognize this reality and support us in national efforts.”

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington State said the effects are deeply hitting local industries.
And with cross-border travel from Canada down nearly 40 percent year over year, Murray noted that places like Blaine and Bellingham have been left stranded.
“When bookings are being canceled and 75 percent of Canadian travelers have decided to go elsewhere, how are hotels supposed to keep their doors open?”

Murray added, “If you want to understand what real damage is being done, come to Washington State. Talk to the people on the front lines of this pointless, painful trade war.”
For example, a seafood restaurant in Blaine, Washington has lost over $100,000 just this year—due to expensive equipment and a decline in Canadian customers.

Dan Tucker of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition said oyster farmers are particularly affected as they rely on Canadian-sourced equipment, which has now become costly under U.S. tariffs—even though no American alternatives exist.
“Tariff uncertainty even just the threat—is causing volatility.”
“All American Marine, an aluminum boat manufacturer here, reported that speculation around tariffs drove up copper prices. Just the threat of tariffs destabilized their supply costs, making budgeting difficult and shipping expenses unpredictable.”

This message comes as Trump is threatening to increase tariffs on dozens of countries by up to 50 percent starting August 1.
Canada is on that list, although items covered under the USMCA trade agreement will be exempt.

Eby, Murray, and other leaders from border-reliant communities are now calling on governments to act before more damage is done.
Murray said, “It’s now clear we can’t leave this responsibility to a president who treats economic policy like a joystick in a child’s hands. We need to keep talking about this—until more of my Republican colleagues understand the message.”