Canada’s provincial leaders were at odds over which industries to prioritize as trade talks with the U.S. came to a halt. The auto industry in Ontario clashed with the canola sector in the prairies, while British Columbia raised concerns about the lack of attention given to the lumber industry. Despite recent actions by President Trump leading to a more unified front among provinces, underlying tensions persist as tariffs continue to pose threats.
Here is a breakdown of the industries facing the most significant tariff threats in each Canadian province and the statements made by provincial leaders amid ongoing trade negotiations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who says he hasn’t spoken to Donald Trump since the U.S. president cut off trade talks with Canada, took questions while at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia on Monday. Hear Carney’s answers on trade, Trump and whether Canada has a contingency plan.
British Columbia
British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized the federal government for not giving enough priority to the lumber industry. Eby emphasized the urgency of supporting the forestry sector, pointing out the recent increase in timber and lumber tariffs by the U.S. government. The forestry industry in B.C., which provides over 100,000 jobs, is second only to energy and raw minerals in exports to the United States.
B.C.’s premier says the province is making ads to “defend British Columbians” and Canada’s forestry industry against U.S. tariffs. As Johna Baylon reports, it comes as Ontario pulls its own ad off the air after it angered U.S. President Donald Trump and caused him to terminate trade negotiations with Canada.
Alberta
The oil and gas industry