Trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada were abruptly halted by President Donald Trump, causing tension among Canadian premiers over which industries should be the top priority amidst escalating tariffs. The clash highlighted divisions within Team Canada, with Ontario’s auto sector at odds with the prairies’ canola industry, and British Columbia raising concerns about the lack of focus on the lumber industry.
Although Trump’s actions initially led to a more unified stance among provinces, the underlying tensions persist as tariffs continue to pose challenges. Here is an overview of the industries most vulnerable to tariffs in each province and the premiers’ responses as Canada navigates new trade dynamics.
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
Recent remarks by B.C. Premier David Eby underscored concerns about the federal government’s purported neglect of the lumber sector. Eby emphasized the need for urgent attention to the forestry industry, citing the detrimental impact of heightened timber and lumber tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Despite energy and raw minerals being B.C.’s primary exports to the U.S., wood products rank closely behind, supporting a significant portion of the province’s workforce with over 100,000 jobs, 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