B.C. ‘War Room’ Minister Calls Trump Administration ‘Bullies’ in Tariff Fight

As tensions rise over potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, British Columbia has launched a “war room” to coordinate a provincial response. The newly formed cabinet committee, led by Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, will focus on defending B.C. businesses, workers, and the economy against trade restrictions proposed by President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kahlon made it clear that B.C. would not back down.

“Excuse my language, but eff that idea,” he said, when asked about the possibility of closer economic integration with the U.S. “I'm a very proud Canadian. We live in the best country in the world … that [joining the United States] is not happening.”

A Strategic Response to Tariffs

Premier David Eby’s office described the committee as a “day-to-day war room” tasked with managing B.C.’s counterstrategy should the U.S. impose tariffs. Trump’s administration has threatened to implement a 25% levy on Canadian imports as early as Saturday, prompting urgent discussions at both provincial and federal levels.

Eby called the tariffs a “direct attack on B.C. families” and stressed that all ministers would play a role in fighting back. The province’s response strategy includes three key elements:

1. Tough Counteractions – Ensuring B.C. responds proportionally to any economic harm caused by the tariffs.

2. Outreach to U.S. Officials – Engaging American policymakers to advocate for fair trade.

3. Economic Diversification – Reducing reliance on U.S. trade by expanding markets and supporting key industries.

Kahlon: ‘We Can’t Give an Inch’

Kahlon argued that Canada must take a firm stance against the Trump administration, describing the situation as fundamentally different from past trade disputes.

“We cannot live four years with threats constantly coming from a Trump administration,” he said. “One of the lessons I’ve learned in my life is when you’re dealing with bullies, if you give them an inch, they’re going to come back for a foot.”

The uncertainty surrounding the tariff decision has left B.C. officials preparing for multiple scenarios. Kahlon admitted that predicting U.S. trade policy remains difficult.

“We have heard so many different things come out of the U.S. that it's hard to know exactly what they're thinking or what they're doing,” he said. “The message to people is we're ready. We're going to respond as a country, we’re united.”

Canada’s Federal Response

The issue was a key topic during a virtual meeting between Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary confirmed during a Senate hearing that initial tariffs on Canada and Mexico remain on track for implementation within days, with the potential for further trade restrictions in the coming months.

Eby has expressed hope that there is still room for negotiation. He noted that Canadian officials have signaled their willingness to address U.S. concerns over drug trafficking and illegal migration, two issues frequently cited by the Trump administration.

However, he also made it clear that if tariffs are imposed, B.C. will respond forcefully. “We will ensure that every harm inflicted on B.C. families is met with a proportional response,” he said.

Building a Defensive Coalition

Nine additional B.C. ministers have been appointed to the “war room” committee, including Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, Energy Minister Adrian Dix, Jobs Minister Diana Gibson, Forests Minister Ravi Parmar, and Mining Minister Jagrup Brar.

With the possibility of a trade war escalating, B.C. is gearing up for a prolonged battle—one that Kahlon and Eby say they are prepared to fight aggressively to protect the province’s economy and its workers.