David Eby: B.C. will stand up to Trump by building at home

In the face of an unprecedented and unjustified attack on our economy by the United States, British Columbians are joining with all Canadians to fight back.

Canadians and Americans have always been good friends. In many cases, we’re family.

We share the longest undefended border in the world. We’ve been longtime allies in the fight for democracy — from storming the beaches at Normandy together to liberate Europe from fascism in the Second World War, to helping Ukrainians defend themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression today.

British Columbians have always had a unique partnership with our American neighbours.

Together, we made the dream of a highway to Alaska a reality. We signed the Columbia River Treaty to protect each other from flooding while generating affordable clean energy on both sides of the border. Generations of American presidents have made the journey to our province in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs?are a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries. It is a direct attack on Canadian families that will not go unanswered.

When our sovereignty is challenged, we have two choices: to surrender or to stand up. We are making the only possible choice. We’re standing up for British Columbians and all Canadians — to defend our workers, our businesses and our communities.

Difficult times like this call for a plan of action that is both thoughtful and tough. Our made-in-B.C. strategy consists of three main components: responding firmly and forcefully, strengthening our economy at home and diversifying our trading relationships within Canada and around the world so we’re less reliant on the U.S. market.

For our first of many steps, I have ordered B.C. liquor stores to be prepared to stop buying American liquor from Republican-controlled Red States.

I have also directed the provincial government and our Crown corporations to immediately stop buying American goods and services and to buy Canadian first. Making sure our tax dollars are going first to support our quality local products is an important way we can stand up for ourselves and build a more self-sufficient economy in the long term.

We all have a role to play in this fight. It’s more important than ever for all of us to consider our choices when we’re planning our next vacation, taking a trip to the grocery store or making that big purchase. Whenever possible, let’s choose Canadian.

To unlock the incredible potential here in B.C., our government has identified 10 major projects to expedite right away, including mines, renewable energy and natural gas. That is $20 billion of investment to create over 6,000 jobs and support businesses during a difficult time, especially in northern and rural communities.

Creating good paying jobs is crucial to protecting the services, like health care and education, that people rely on every day — making sure British Columbians can thrive no matter what the world throws at us.

Today, we are at a crossroads and the journey ahead won’t be easy. But there’s no place on Earth I would rather be to face this threat than right here in B.C. And nothing I’d want to be more, than Canadian.

We have everything we need to succeed right here. Abundant natural wealth and clean, cheap energy. A diversified economy and access to global markets. And our most important resource of all: the people who call this beautiful place home.

British Columbians are hardworking, highly skilled and resilient. Through this uncertainty, our government will be there to stand up for people and families.

As British Columbians and Canadians, we will meet this moment — together. And come out stronger and more resilient on the other side.

Canada is a proud and independent country. We’ll never allow ourselves to be bullied into becoming the 51st state. We’ll never let ourselves to be beholden the whims of one man in the White House.

Here in the true north strong and free, we’ll fight, not fold. We’ll be resolute, not roll over. Because that’s who we are.

National Post