B.C. Premier Unveils Border Signs Declaring Canada ‘Will NEVER Be the 51st State’

Noah Chen

9/10/20262 min read

British Columbia Premier David Eby has unveiled new signs for U.S. border crossings carrying a pointed message about Canadian sovereignty amid the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Eby revealed signs reading: “Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!”

The premier said the message reflects both Canada’s willingness to welcome Americans and its determination to defend its independence.

Eby Invokes Canada’s Response After 9/11

Eby pointed to the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as an example of the relationship between Canadians and Americans.

He said approximately 8,500 passengers were stranded at Vancouver International Airport after air travel was disrupted, and Canadians stepped forward to support people who suddenly found themselves unable to continue their journeys.

“Now here we are 25 years later, as President Donald Trump has hurled insults, unfair tariffs and continues to threaten our independence as a country,” Eby said.

Despite the growing tensions between Ottawa and Washington, Eby said Canadians would not hesitate to help their American neighbours again in a crisis.

“While our kindness is one of our biggest strengths, you should never mistake it for weakness,” he said.

Counter-Tariffs Take Effect

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products took effect Tuesday as the federal government responds to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Eby said British Columbia will also continue its ban on stocking U.S. alcohol products as part of the province’s response.

He described the measure as one way for B.C. to “punch back” against what he called Trump’s “unfair” trade war.

The province has previously encouraged British Columbians to buy Canadian products and reduce spending on American goods and travel where possible.

Province Considering Additional Measures

Eby said his government continues to work closely with Ottawa as both governments consider how best to respond to the escalating trade dispute.

He said B.C. is also identifying additional measures that could be used to protect Canadian businesses, workers and the broader economy.

The new border signs add a symbolic element to that response, combining a welcome to visitors with an explicit rejection of suggestions that Canada could become part of the United States.

For Eby, the message is that British Columbia remains open to Americans while drawing a firm line when it comes to Canadian sovereignty.

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