Canada's premiers are closing ranks in response to a fresh threat of steep U.S. tariffs, gathering in Charlottetown to coordinate a defiant reply. With Washington threatening a 50% levy on a wide range of Canadian goods, provincial leaders made clear they have no intention of backing down or softening their retaliation.
British Columbia Premier David Eby put the province's stance bluntly after a dinner with fellow premiers. Asked whether he would put American alcohol back on B.C. shelves, he answered, "Absolutely not," framing the trade fight as a personal one for the workers and families he represents back home.
Eby pointed to forestry families in his province who face tariffs above 50% because Canadian softwood has been labelled a national security risk in the United States, even as Russian softwood takes its place in the American market. "I can't make sense of what the president is doing," he said. "Nobody can."
Other premiers brought their own priorities to the table. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said energy was her top concern, describing her province as an energy hub for the Maritimes that could help meet growing demand both at home and among allies. After months dominated by Trump and tariffs, she added, it was also time to refocus on issues like healthcare.
The gathering is part of a wider push to present a united front. The premiers met with Indigenous leaders during the talks, are set to meet again as a group, and are due to sit down with Prime Minister Mark Carney later in the week, where the American tariffs are certain to dominate the agenda in Charlottetown.
The threatened measures would hit a broad slice of the Canadian economy, from plywood and furniture parts to milk products and sparkling wine, and would apply even to goods normally exempt under the North American trade agreement. Energy, potash, fish and critical minerals were left off the list, sparing some of the largest flows between the two countries.
Cities are responding too. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she would re-engage the city's economic action team to encourage residents to shop locally and to steer procurement toward Canadian and locally made products. She noted there are still 30 days before the tariffs would take effect, and that the president could yet change his mind.