The British Columbia government will install new signs at U.S. border crossings declaring the province “never the 51st state,” Premier David Eby announced Tuesday as Canada’s latest retaliatory tariffs on American goods took effect. Eby unveiled the tongue-in-cheek measure while warning of the very real economic consequences of the escalating Canada-U.S. trade war. “People will lose their jobs and businesses will close on both sides of the border,” the premier said during a news conference in Victoria. “We have to look out for one another. We have to buy Canadian whenever we can.” Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a video statement earlier Tuesday, warned Canadians that efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on the U.S. would “come at a cost,” but that the alternative would be far worse. Carney broke off trade talks with the U.S. last month after the two countries failed to reach a deal before President Donald Trump’s deadline for imposing new 50 per cent tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada retaliated shortly after midnight with a new round of counter-tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 per cent, on $27.8 billion worth of American products. Eby said the new signs near U.S. border crossings would declare: “Welcome to B.C., Canada. Strong, proud and never the 51st state. Sorry.” The premier wore a red-and-black flannel shirt for the occasion, which he jokingly described as a “Salmo dinner jacket” and “the single most Canadian piece of clothing I own.” A mock-up of one of the new signs displayed at the news conference featured other messages for travellers, including warnings about littering and moose, as well as reminders to respect campfire bans and avoid equating Canadian kindness with weakness. The provincial government is also looking to expand its “Buy BC” program, encouraging consumers and businesses to choose locally made products and services whenever possible. “Buying local is about more than just the fruits and veggies in your shopping cart,” Eby said. “It’s choosing B.C.-made cereal for your breakfast, bread that’s baked here, B.C.-brewed beer, and other B.C.-made products that are made close to home. But it’s also choosing a local accountant, an engineer, or consultant when your business needs advice.” The premier said his government is working closely with Ottawa and other provinces as the country’s tariff response evolves. “Nobody wanted this trade war,” Eby told reporters, describing the U.S. president as “clearly unhinged” for starting the dispute and attacking Canada in social media posts. “Canadians sure didn’t start it, and working families on both sides of the border will be worse off because of it,” he said.
