fb pixel
// Home 9 Media Releases 9 Featured News Release 9 We need a strategic tariff response not the same old playbook

We need a strategic tariff response not the same old playbook

Feb 5, 2025

VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC NDP is touting a $20 billion tariff response package, promising jobs and growth, but in their rush to respond to Trump’s tariffs, they’re falling back on the same old playbook – LNG expansion and resource extraction – repeating a familiar colonial cycle instead of laying the foundation for a strong, diversified future economy.

“At a time when we should be building a resilient economy, this government is doubling down on boom-and-bust industries,” said Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “Re-announcing and fast-tracking resource projects isn’t a strategy, it’s a short-sighted approach that lacks vision and leaves us just as vulnerable down the road.

“Yesterday, it was 6,000 jobs. Today, it’s 8,000. Where did those extra jobs come from? British Columbians deserve better than vague promises and hasty analysis, and the NDP should be transparent with the data they’re relying on here. We now have a 30-day window to get this right, instead of knee-jerk expansion of the status quo.”

The BC NDP calls this “expedited decision-making,” but stripping away environmental oversight isn’t streamlining, it’s removing protections that keep our communities and future safe.

Rushing these projects forward without accountability and transparency doesn’t just threaten BC’s environment and Indigenous rights; it weakens long-term economic stability. The tariff reprieve gives an opportunity for the government to get this right – we hope they’re using that time to do so. If the North Coast transmission line is to power LNG exports, it directly undermines CleanBC’s climate goals, proof that this government is talking about sustainability while making decisions that contradict it.

“The Premier himself has said, ‘We won’t leave our prosperity to the whims of unpredictable forces beyond our borders.’ Yet the global oil and gas market is exactly that – unpredictable. Instead of gambling on boom-and-bust resource export, we should be going all in on sustainable industries that create stable, long-term jobs right here in BC,” continued Valeriote.

“The Trump tariffs are a challenge, but they’re also a reminder and an opportunity. We can’t afford to invest in a future buffeted by global instability. Tariffs or no tariffs, this economic transition is overdue. It’s time to lead with a plan that builds a stronger, more resilient BC.”

-30-

Media contact
JoJo Beattie  
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | jojo.beattie@leg.bc.ca

Connect with the BC Greens!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the BC Greens. 

You have Successfully Subscribed!