B.C. groups call for lower burdens, barriers in light of U.S. tariffs

VANCOUVER – British Columbia businesses are sounding the alarm as U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate to new highs with more tariffs and threats on Canadian goods.

Bridgitte Anderson, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, says the tariffs unfairly target B.C. businesses and threaten jobs.

Anderson says the province must help by reducing barriers to trade and economic growth.

The Business Improvement Areas of BC says it’s more crucial now than ever for government and residents to support local businesses.

It adds small businesses are already beset by a number of challenges and burdens that should be removed.

In the latest development, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened today to double tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts to 50 per cent starting Jan. 1.

The escalation comes after trade talks broke down late Friday between Ottawa and Washington, triggering 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on a host of Canadian goods.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs by Sept. 8.

Anderson said she’s deeply concerned.

“This latest round of tariffs imposed by the United States unfairly targets many British Columbia businesses and threatens jobs, investment and economic growth throughout our province,” she said in a statement.

“As Canada activates its response, it should do so strategically and in close consultation with affected industries to avoid unnecessary harm to Canadian businesses and consumers.”

She suggests the B.C. government reduce internal trade barriers, build “trade-enabling infrastructure,” drive export diversification and advance major resource and industrial projects.

Jeremy Heighton with the Business Improvement Areas of BC called for reducing the “cumulative burden” on small businesses to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.

“Supporting Canadian businesses cannot simply be a slogan,” Heighton said in a statement.

“Government procurement, taxation, regulation and economic development decisions should all be viewed through a very straightforward lens: Does this make it easier or harder for a B.C. or Canadian business to succeed?”

On Saturday, B.C. Premier David Eby called the tariffs “an economic attack on our province and our country.”

“I think they really revealed their true nature of what the Americans are seeking from the White House in terms of their relationship with Canada,” Eby said, referring to accusations that the U.S. tried to introduce last-minute measures in trade negotiations.

“The suggestion that Canada would not trade with other countries, or reduce our trade with other countries because the Americans tell us to, would reduce us to the economic equivalent of the 51st state. 

“It’s never acceptable to Canadians.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2026.