First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Monday, February 24, 2025

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 6

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

Invictus Games in B.C.

Susie Chant

Atlantic Power Corp. and Importance of Green Energy in Cariboo Area

Lorne Doerkson

Black History Month

George Anderson

Impact of Trade Issues on Comox Valley Tourism

Brennan Day

International Mother Language Day

Rohini Arora

Canadian Nationalism and Economic Sovereignty

Gavin Dew

Private Members’ Motions

Motion 7 — Response to U.S. Tariffs Proposal

Jennifer Blatherwick

Kiel Giddens

Paul Choi

Trevor Halford

Amna Shah

Peter Milobar

Jessie Sunner

Harman Bhangu

Dana Lajeunesse

Sharon Hartwell

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat

Jordan Kealy

Steve Morissette

Linda Hepner

Jennifer Blatherwick

Monday, February 24, 2025

The House met at 10:02 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Lawrence Mok.

Introductions by Members

Kristina Loewen : This morning I want to introduce to you my parents. They’re here to support me, and

I’m excited to have their support in this House.

I want to point out that although I represent Kelowna Centre, they actually live in

my beautiful colleague’s riding of Abbotsford-Mission, so they are here supporting

her as well.

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

Invictus Games in B.C.

Susie Chant : I rise today wearing the colours of Team Canada in Invictus and the colours of Team

Canada Wheelchair Rugby to speak on the remarkable events that were held earlier this

month, the Invictus Games.

[10:05 a.m.]

To start, I acknowledge that I am speaking from the ancestral lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people, the Esquimalt and the Songhees.

Additionally, I am grateful to represent North Vancouver–Seymour, in the traditional

lands of the səlilwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people.

I was privileged to witness the remarkable journey that led to the Invictus Games

coming to Vancouver Whistler. From the very beginning, it was clear that this event

would be an extraordinary celebration of resilience, courage and unity.

It started with the historic announcement that the four host First Nations — Lil̓wat7úl , Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səlilwətaɬ and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm — would play a central role in welcoming the games. Their leadership and cultural

influence were integral in shaping the event. Soon after, the confirmation of federal

and provincial funding, along with significant partnerships with business sponsors,

ensured the success of this remarkable initiative.

A particularly memorable milestone was the unveiling of the Invictus flag at the Vancouver

Art Gallery. Designed by First Nations artists, the flag’s emblem powerfully symbolized

strength and perseverance. The moment set the stage for the inspiring events leading

up to the opening ceremonies.

The opening ceremonies at B.C. Place were unforgettable. One of the first sights outside

was the presence of 18 therapy dogs and their handlers, who had gathered from all

across British Columbia, including one from the North Vancouver school district. These

dogs provided emotional support to athletes, their families and friends, easing the

intensity of competition and fostering an atmosphere of comfort and encouragement.

The ceremonies themselves sent a powerful tone of allyship and support. Every team

was welcomed with warmth and respect, embodying the very spirit of the games. A particularly

moving moment came when a volunteer — part of the Bumblebees, named for their black

and yellow uniforms — shared a story about the Ukrainian team as they prepared to

enter the arena. They were embraced by volunteers, a deeply emotional exchange of

solidarity and support.

One of the most profound moments of the evening was when a lone piper played “Highland

Cathedral” before a silent audience of over 40,000 people. This piper had performed

over 160 ramp ceremonies and once believed he would never play again. Yet here he

stood, honouring his comrades and demonstrating the profound healing power of the

games.

Throughout the competition, over 500 athletes from 23 nations showcased their determination

and resilience. These wounded and ill service members and veterans competed in an

impressive range of sports, including wheelchair rugby and basketball, seated volleyball

and fixed position rowing at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Swimming events took

place at the University of British Columbia Aquatic Centre, while the Whistler Olympic

site hosted the newly introduced winter sports. For some athletes, it was their first

encounter with snow, let alone high-speed skiing and sledding.

The role of the four host First Nations extended beyond the opening ceremonies. They

contributed significantly by designing the game’s emblem and medals, organizing a

blanketing ceremony for all 550 participants and creating a dedicated athletes’ home

within Vancouver Convention Centre and Whistler. This space provided a welcoming environment

where athletes could gather, share meals and connect. Additionally, the venue housed

a polymedical clinic, a pharmacy, a healing hut and even a tattoo space, though I

personally opted for a sticker.

What set these games apart was the deep camaraderie and mutual respect among participants

and supporters. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, spoke with heartfelt appreciation

about the origins of the Invictus Games as a means to help injured and ill service

members and veterans heal, regain confidence and rediscover their purpose. Lord Charles

Allen, chairman of the games, displayed unwavering enthusiasm, engaging with participants

and supporters alike.

Among the many inspiring individuals I met with was Cakes, a woman from Birmingham

who has attended every Invictus Games since their inception in 2014. She dedicates

her time to baking cakes for wounded military personnel, offering them a sense of

comfort and home during their recovery.

I also had the privilege of meeting a young woman who has served as a military neuro-physiotherapist

overseas, before becoming a patient herself after a severe leg injury. She later became

an Invictus competitor, winning a medal in skeleton, a sport she tried for the first

time in Whistler.

The legacy of the Invictus Games will endure, continuing to inspire and uplift those

who have served. This event stands as a powerful testament to resilience, unity and

the transformative power of sport, reminding all of us of the strength that comes

from perseverance, community and commitment to the journey of healing.

[10:10 a.m.]

Atlantic Power Corp. and

Importance of Green Energy

in Cariboo Area

Lorne Doerkson : It’s certainly a pleasure to bring greetings from Cariboo-Chilcotin. Today I wanted

to take the opportunity to tell the House a little bit about Atlantic Power.

Atlantic Power for decades, in Cariboo-Chilcotin, has created power from a by-product.

That by-product might be waste from a mill; it might be waste from the remnants of

a forest fire or the remnants of logging. Those are types of products this plant consumes

to create electricity.

It ended the need for beehive burners. For anybody that remembers that piece of equipment,

it was devastating to the air quality. It was fly ash all over many communities. So

this power producer brought an end to the need for that type of equipment. It created

an entire industry around the creation of electricity.

I believe that this power plant is actually now part of the infrastructure of our

community. It has been there that long. So many now have come to rely on it to use

the products that they now sell. This is the largest property tax payer in our community,

at almost $1.7 million, $1.8 million per year. It employs 40 people full-time. It

employs, indirectly, 100 people in our community. They have been an amazing community

partner to Williams Lake and, indeed, the entire region, but particularly to Cariboo-Chilcotin.

What’s at risk, of course, is the loss of all of that commerce, but not just the commerce.

It is the loss of 50,000 homes of electricity. This is what this power producer creates.

This comes at a time when we are purchasing power for a larger need than ever before

from places like Alberta and Washington.

The issue at hand is a contract that was signed in 2019 between this power producer

and also between B.C. Hydro. That contract did not have the opportunity to contemplate

hyperinflation. It didn’t have the opportunity to contemplate the increased demand

in power. We have had meeting after meeting after meeting about this power plant.

I can tell you that what we need is B.C. Hydro and Atlantic Power in the same room,

working together to solve this for so many reasons, and I’ve outlined some of those.

But we need to save this green energy provider in Cariboo-Chilcotin. There’s no question

about that. I’ll say it again. The loss of this means $1.7 million or $1.8 million

per year, 40 full-time jobs and 100 indirect jobs. But it’s the loss of the electricity

that concerns me the most, particularly when we are able to create that at a local

level. There are many of these plants in British Columbia, and I’m concerned about

all of them.

Every level of government — including the MP, Todd Doherty; the chair of the Cariboo

regional district, Margo Wagner; the mayor of Williams Lake, Surinderpal Rathor; and

myself — are all in agreement and have all written the Premier and Minister of Energy

on this topic.

Today I am begging. I’m calling on the Premier of this province, the Minister of Energy,

the Minister of Forests and the Minister of Environment to please all get into the

same room with B.C. Hydro, with Atlantic Power and solve this problem not just for

the residents of Cariboo-Chilcotin or Williams Lake but for the residents of British

Columbia. We need a solution to this, and we need it soon. It is almost too late,

and we are going to lose this power producer if we do not come to resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the time to address this House today.

Black History Month

George Anderson : I rise today to recognize Black History Month as a time for reflection, learning

and celebration. However, I also rise with a challenge.

[10:15 a.m.]

Let us not confine this month to only be the time that we recognize the contributions,

struggles and triumphs of Black individuals. Black history is not separate from our

shared history. It’s woven into the fabric of this province and our country.

It is global history. It is the story of resilience in the face of exclusion, of excellence

in the face of systemic barriers. It is the story of those who built, who led, who

created, who fought not just for themselves but for a just and more equitable society

for all. This history must be part of our understanding of who we are as a society.

Throughout Canada’s history, Black individuals have been builders, innovators and

leaders, yet for far too long, their names are left out of our textbooks, their contributions

overshadowed and their struggles minimized.

Take, for example, Mifflin Gibbs, who arrived in British Columbia in 1858. Seeking

opportunity and equality, he became a successful entrepreneur, a respected community

leader and was eventually elected to Victoria city council, the first Black individual

to hold public office in British Columbia. He fought for the rights of Black settlers,

standing against discrimination while contributing to the economic justice and political

fabric of this province. His legacy reminds us that Black leadership is not new, it

is simply too often ignored.

Consider the story of Hogan’s Alley, once the heart of Vancouver’s Black community

— a vibrant, thriving neighbourhood, home to businesses, culture and deep-rooted families.

And yet, in the name of progress, it was torn apart, its residents displaced, a viaduct

put in its place and its history nearly erased.

Right here at home, in 1959, the Deas Island Tunnel was opened. However, its name

was changed to the Massey Tunnel, erasing the contributions of John Sullivan Deas,

a Black entrepreneur who contributed to the economic vitality of our province.

When we speak of Black history, we must also speak of the injustices that have been

inflicted and the work still left to do. Economically, Black Canadians have been contributors,

building businesses, fuelling industry and shaping the workforce, but barriers still

persist. Today Black workers continue to earn less than their counterparts. Black

entrepreneurs face disproportionate challenges to accessing capital and investment.

Acknowledging Black excellence is also ensuring that economic justice is not just

an aspiration but a reality.

In science, we stand on the shoulders of Black innovators, names too often forgotten.

The very technology that powers our world owes a debt to Black inventors and scientists.

Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott, Canada’s first Black doctor, provided critical medical

care during the American Civil War and became a respected individual in public health.

The inventions of Black innovators such as Elijah McCoy, whose engineering work transformed

railway technology, shaped industries far beyond what we recognize — the traffic light,

the pacemaker, computer technology, advancements that changed the world. Yet how often

do we teach these stories? How often do young Black students sit in classrooms never

learning that people who look like them changed the world? How often do we ensure

that Black young children see themselves reflected in textbooks, our boardrooms, our

laboratories or even our Legislature?

Representation is not a privilege; it’s a necessity. In culture, Black voices have

defined art, music and literature, from Portia White, the world-renowned Nova Scotian

contralto, to contemporary artists shaping Canada’s creative landscape.

Black culture is not just influential; it’s foundational. Yet for generations, Black

artists have been underfunded, underrepresented and undervalued, and that must change.

To celebrate Black culture is to honour its roots, its influences and its rightful

place in the mainstream, not just in Black History Month but every single day.

Here at home we have, in British Columbia, individuals like Dr. June Francis, Mr.

Markiel Simpson, Ms. Shalema Gantt and Paul Winn, who have worked tirelessly to make

sure that Black history, Canadian history, is retained and not lost. The work of Dr.

Francis, Ms. Gantt, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Winn has not solely been about representing

Black voices, but their aim has been at creating equal opportunity.

Dr. Martin Luther King once said: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our

enemies but the silence of our friends.” Many times silence has stood in the way of

progress in ensuring that people feel part of our society.

[10:20 a.m.]

In conclusion, we need to stand up for Black voices. We need to remember Canadian

history and remember that Black history is not only Black history, but it’s Canadian

history, and we must honour it every single day.

The Speaker : Members, keep in mind all statements are strictly five minutes.

Impact of Trade Issues

on Comox Valley Tourism

Brennan Day : Today we find ourselves again discussing the impacts of tariffs and international

trade disputes.

At times, discussions in this House feel more like political theatre, but back home

in Courtenay-Comox, the consequences of these tariffs will be real, immediate and

deeply concerning should they come to pass.

In our riding, the local economy relies heavily on strong and stable trade relationships,

not just in forestry and agriculture but especially in tourism, an industry that forms

the backbone of our vibrant community. Escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs

create uncertainty, and uncertainty is the enemy of prosperity. Families and small

businesses in Courtenay-Comox can’t afford uncertainty when livelihoods depend on

open borders, welcoming visitors and thriving local businesses.

Tourism operators in our riding tell me that when international relationships become

strained, travellers from the U.S. and elsewhere reconsider their plans to visit our

province. Hotels, restaurants and countless small businesses are the first to feel

the pinch. Local artisans, craft breweries and outfitters, businesses that showcase

everything Courtenay-Comox and British Columbia have to offer, begin to struggle.

These are the faces behind every tariff and trade dispute we discuss here. The hard-working

men and women of our forestry sector know only too well the impacts of prolonged trade

disputes and the outsized impact it can have on the small, rural and remote communities

across this great province that have been decimated by the softwood lumber dispute.

There is a strong chance they will once again be the first casualty of a prolonged

trade battle.

Of course, Canada did not start this dispute, but now it falls upon us to respond

carefully. British Columbians and Canadians will always stand strong, because Canada

is not for sale. We will not bend the knee to veiled threats by foreign actors. But

in standing firm, we must also remain clear-headed and strategic. We must protect

Canadian industries, Canadian workers and Canadian families with caution, diplomacy

and unity, not by escalating tensions further with impulsive reactions.

I urge this government to adopt a true Canada-first approach but one tempered by patience

and strategic thinking. We must reinforce our national message of strength and unity

without further inflaming the conflict. The goal must always be swift resolution,

not prolonged uncertainty and economic harm.

Let us not forget who we are here to serve: the people of Courtenay-Comox and all

British Columbians. We need careful, responsible strategy that protects jobs, supports

local businesses and ensures our economy continues to thrive. They deserve solutions,

not just slogans. Canada is strong enough to withstand these challenges, but strength

lies in wise decisions and careful actions, not in political theatre.

Today I ask all members of this House and this government to proceed with caution,

prioritize real economic impacts on our communities and put Canadians first.

International Mother Language Day

Rohini Arora : Last Friday International Mother Language Day was observed. And as many of you have

already likely guessed, it’s one of my favourites. A day that goes just beyond words,

celebrating the essence of our identities, culture, connection to our families and

land.

Language isn’t just a means of communication. It is so much more than that. It shapes

the way we think. It shapes the way we express our emotions and the world we live

in. Our mother tongue is the first language we learn, and it’s the first language

in which we experience love, comfort and belonging.

For me, that language is Punjabi. The first words I remember from my parents were

mera bachcha. That means “my child.” I remember being three or four and learning to

read and write the alphabet and learning to read from the Guru Granth Sahib . These were bonding moments. And because it was so much fun, to this very day, I

continue to keep learning languages.

[10:25 a.m.]

You see, languages aren’t just for communication. They carry the stories of our ancestors,

the wisdom of generations and the values that have been passed down through time.

The poetry hits different, and the sayings often can’t be translated over quite right.

It is a living connection to our heritage, grounding us in who we are and where we

the official languages. But there are languages that were spoken here long before

this vast region was colonized, languages of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

In B.C., there are over 30 languages spoken by First Nations. Burnaby East itself

is situated on the lands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm- and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-speaking peoples.

Revitalizing First Nations’ language is integral in undoing the harm caused by colonization.

So I have to shout out the work of the First Peoples Cultural Council, which was formed

in 1990. Their mandate is to assist B.C. First Nations in their effort to revitalize

their languages, arts, cultures and heritage.

The power of our mother language cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in

building our confidence. Think about it. When we speak in our native tongue, there’s

a sense of ease, of comfort, of authenticity. It allows us to express ourselves fully,

to connect deeply with others.

I lost my spot. I really lost my spot.

Interjections.

Rohini Arora : I am nervous. First time.

In a world where so many of us are constantly adjusting to different languages and

cultures, this sense of comfort is invaluable. It gives us strength and assurance

as we navigate life.

But beyond personal identity and confidence, knowing another language is an asset

in today’s interconnected world. As globalization continues to shape our society,

multilingualism has become more important than ever. Being fluent in our native language,

along with other languages, opens up countless opportunities in both our personal

and professional lives. In the workplace, it allows us to build relationships with

people from different backgrounds, giving us a unique advantage in cross-cultural

communication.

Whether in business, education or diplomacy, speaking multiple languages enhances

our ability to understand, collaborate and innovate. Not to mention, it is a great

workout for the brain, for a child’s early development, and it helps to fight against

Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Our mother tongue holds the key to preserving our culture and traditions. It connects

us to the stories of our ancestors’ songs, dances, rituals and the values that define

our communities. Celebrating and nurturing it is

an act of pride and, in many cases,

an act of resistance. It is a commitment to ensuring that our heritage thrives for

generations to come.

As we reflect on International Mother Language Day, let us not only celebrate the

languages that we speak but also embrace the richness they bring into our lives. Let’s

be proud of our heritage, our roots and the unique perspectives our languages offer.

Let’s recognize that our mother language is not just a means of communication but

a living testament to our identity, our strength and already learned lessons as we

walk our paths.

Canadian Nationalism and

Economic Sovereignty

Gavin Dew : Canada and the United States share one of the closest relationships of any two nations

in the world.

We are linked by history, trade, culture and deep personal connections. We fought

side by side in world wars, built the world’s longest undefended border and created

one of the most successful economic partnerships in history. Both countries were built

by immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life.

[10:30 a.m.]

We admire American ambition and innovation. But Canada is different, something worth

standing up for. We are not a smaller version of America. We have our own identity,

values and path to the future.

Canada will never be America. We are proud of our shared history, but we are not the

51st state. We make our own decisions and stand up for our own economy, our own workers

and our own future as an independent nation. John Diefenbaker captured this spirit

when he said: “I am Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to choose those who

shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold.”

That is the Canada we must defend, a Canada where all people of all backgrounds can

build a future of freedom, opportunity and shared prosperity. We may not have broken

from the Crown in revolution, but Canada was built by people who refused to be ruled

from afar, people who pushed back against the blood-dimmed tide of tyranny. We fought

for democracy at Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach and Kandahar, standing for freedom.

But for years, we have had a government that seems ashamed of our identity, history

and industries. This NDP government discouraged calling ourselves British Columbians

and enabled those who defaced monuments and erased history, and now they try to wrap

themselves in the flag. But real leadership means standing up for our people and our

economy all the time, not just saying “God bless Canada” when it’s politically convenient.

The tariff crisis should be a call to action. Canada must stand on its own two feet,

unlocking responsible resource development, creating opportunity and ensuring prosperity

is shared by all. But we came into this fight weak. Under the NDP, B.C. has become

less competitive and less prepared for economic shocks.

For years, this government weakened our ability to compete and our ability to grow

our economy. They closed trade offices, blocked infrastructure, increased taxes and

added red tape. They created conditions where investments on the land base are risky

and slow, and job creators who are not tethered to the land base are leaving to places

that encourage entrepreneurship and celebrate success.

It’s time for a new vision, one of economic sovereignty built on innovation, partnership

and competitiveness.

First, we must expand trade offices, especially in emerging markets. Building lasting

relationships is essential for opening new markets and attracting investment.

Second, we need infrastructure that unlocks our resources. That includes pipelines,

ports, railways, highways and digital networks. A nation that cannot move its products

efficiently cannot compete.

Third, we need a regulatory environment that is both robust and efficient. We need

clear rules, timely decisions and a balanced approach to development.

Fourth, we must engage Indigenous communities as true partners in economic reconciliation.

That is not just a moral imperative; it is a legal and economic one.

Fifth, we must invest in our workforce through education, training and innovation.

A competitive economy needs skilled workers.

Finally, we need to stand firm on the world stage, defending our interests in trade

negotiations, challenging unfair practices and ensuring that Canada is respected as

a trading partner.

Canada has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. But strength comes from action,

not waiting and not political theatre.

We must seize this moment to redefine our economic future and to build an economically

sovereign nation that stands strong, dreams big and gets things done again.

The Speaker : Hon. Members, according to the order paper, we will look to the member next on the

list of precedence to move their items of business. That member today is the member

for Coquitlam-Maillardville.

Jennifer Blatherwick : I seek leave to make an introduction.

Leave granted.

[10:35 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Jennifer Blatherwick : I would beg the leave of the House to introduce Chris Seyffert, who serves this province

as a medical professional, driving an ambulance and saving us whenever need arises

in our communities. He is a dedicated professional and an avid follower of politics.

I would like to ask the House to welcome him here to join us today.

The Speaker : The member to move the motion.

Private Members’ Motions

Motion 7 — Response to

U.S. Tariffs Proposal

Jennifer Blatherwick : I move Motion 7 standing in my name on the order paper.

[That this House condemns President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs as wrong and unjustified

measures aimed at threatening Canadian sovereignty and endorses the nationally-coordinated

“Team Canada” plan to respond with proportionate retaliatory action if necessary,

including strategically targeting industries and regions such as products from Republican

states, to maximize pressure to deter President Trump from implementing or continuing

tariffs.]

First, I would like to congratulate Team Canada on their win this last week. We are

so proud of the grit that was shown bringing this one home. You did good, boys, and

it was good for all of us to be pulled together as one nation to celebrate your extraordinary

efforts.

The people in my community are still celebrating that win. When I talk with them,

they want to talk about the familiar, like sports and kids and school. But I am getting

pretty used to the number 11 sneaking in there. I am not talking about Travis Konecny,

our number 11. I am talking about their concern about the number 11 that happens here

when you are worried, when you are wanting to talk to someone that you feel represents

you.

The next thing they say is: “What do you think about these tariffs?” They follow up

with how the tariffs are going to affect them, their small business, the price of

their family’s groceries and their children’s jobs. We talk about that, and we talk

about possible government responses, breaking down interprovincial trade barriers

and broadening our international trade. Pretty much that is what everyone wants to

speak about.

Then there’s the inevitable part of the conversation where they get calm and they

get serious. It doesn’t matter who they are. If they’re a tradesperson or a worker

or a teacher or a teenager or a grandparent, they tell me: “We are not interested

in becoming the 51st state.” They want me to say it back to them, they want to hear

it, and they want to know our response to bullying tactics.

My neighbours and all of our neighbours have very little opportunity to be heard on

the international stage, and they want us to stand up for them. They want us to stand

up for the people and the businesses that will be hurt by tariffs. The sudden economic

shock is challenging for consumers, for workers, employers. And the workers who will

be hurt the most are going to be the most vulnerable, who are most likely to be minimum-wage

workers, who are women, gender-diverse people, those with disabilities, new Canadians

and racialized people.

I am not and I have never been a brawler. I don’t like arguing. In general, it is

wasteful. I have a family. I have work to get done. I have causes that I care about.

We all do. I don’t believe that, in general, loud aggression solves problems. I believe

in the thoughtful application of logical consequence.

One of our Canadian strengths is unity, our togetherness, how much we care about each

other. We can stand shoulder to shoulder with the other provinces of Canada. We can

make happen what our neighbours want to see echoed from their own hearts out into

the public discourse: a proportionate, well-considered action in response to an unjustified

threat.

Our relationship to the United States is long, and it has brought both our countries

peace and prosperity envied by the entire world. When our homes and livelihoods are

threatened, it is tempting to lose a little bit of that Canadian politeness. But we

don’t want to unilaterally punish the American people, many of whom do not support

the tariffs.

In these times, old labels are not as relevant. What matters is who people show themselves

to be by their actions. If they show support for Canada, if they are resistant to

the breakdown of international relationship, if they are against the tariffs, we know

that long friendship still exists and we still have friends in the U.S.A.

What if, against everyone’s best interest, they have shown support for the tariffs?

Then we need a rational, measured, targeted response to reach key decision-makers

while minimizing the effects for everyone else, Canadian and American. The goal is

never vengeance, not vengeance. The goal is to show that there is a result to choices

that hurt people. There is no freedom from consequences.

We’re calling on all of the House to come together to endorse the nationally coordinated

Team Canada plan, to support British Columbians in this crisis, to send a strong signal

that we are united. We are Team Canada. It is the last game of the finals. We are

in overtime, and we need to put the puck in the net as a team.

[10:40 a.m.]

Kiel Giddens : I appreciate the opportunity to speak in the chamber this morning. It’s actually

my first opportunity to do so.

We’re here to speak to the motion presented by the member for Coquitlam-Maillardville.

I understand this is also the member’s first motion brought forward in this House,

so I congratulate her for doing that and being the first MLA to begin debate in a

renewed format for private members’ time.

First of all, I will say that I’m glad that the members opposite are finally on board

with supporting Team Canada. It was pretty incredible to see our Canadian boys defeat

the Americans in dramatic overtime fashion. It had to be McDavid. And I hear that

Nickelback was playing loudly in the dressing room.

It’s amazing when we see our country come together, and it’s amazing when we see Canadians

wrapped in the flag, showing pride in our nation. We haven’t seen enough of this the

past few years. There have been too many divisive narratives pitting Canadians against

one another. We’ve seen activists defacing and tearing down statues in attempts to

cancel our history.

I love Canada, and I love British Columbia — our mountains, lakes, rivers, big wide-open

skies, our rich heritage and, most importantly, our people. Our country and our history

aren’t perfect, but it belongs to all of us. I’ve always been a student of history,

and I think it’s best to learn from it and always strive to improve as a society.

I fully disagree with President Trump and believe he’s making a serious mistake with

tariffs. The last time we saw a serious tariff war happen was legislation debated

and passed over 1929-1930 in the United States that precipitated a trade war. The

Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act extended the Great Depression for years and was a complete

and utter disaster.

That’s why we’re in a historic time where our words have consequences. I think I have

some concerns with some of the language in the member’s motion that is actually playing

exactly into the narrative President Trump wants us to fall into. He wants evidence

to divide us from the American people in order to win support for his tariff policy.

The idea of targeting red states unfortunately plays right into his hand.

Yes, Canada will need to be ready with retaliatory tariffs if it comes to that. But

there are two questions we need to ask today. What are we going to do to prevent a

trade war from occurring in the first place? Two, what are we doing to make sure B.C.

can stand on its own two feet? These are the questions that British Columbians care

about.

I think B.C. needs to take the high road and get results for people here at home.

I want to see a government that makes smart and effective arguments directly to the

hearts and minds of the American people, not just grandstanding here in the Legislature.

For example, why isn’t the Premier making B.C.’s case in all of the Pacific NorthWest

Economic Region states? We’ve had a relationship with these states for decades.

We have an NDP government that now claims to be Team Canada. Where was Team Canada

when the NDP said they would use every tool in the toolbox to stop the Trans Mountain

expansion, a project that was all about increasing our domestic energy security for

our own refining capacity in B.C. while providing the only opportunity for exports

outside of the U.S. that we have for Canadian energy?

Why have the NDP done nothing on the softwood lumber agreement file their entire term

in office? There hasn’t been an agreement since 2015.

Why isn’t the NDP shouting from the rooftops that made-in-B.C. LNG needs to be exported

to global markets? Instead, they pretend that the industry doesn’t exist.

Why have the NDP done nothing on internal trade despite sitting on the federal-provincial-territorial

committee on internal trade since 2017? The Nova Scotia government has promised to

introduce legislation that would ease trade and labour mobility with other provinces.

What’s the province of B.C.’s plan? It looks like the plan is again to pay lip service

to internal trade while taking potshots to score political points.

We should be showing leadership in Canada to get things done. We should show leadership

for our resource sectors, for our small businesses, and we should actually be focused

on making life more affordable for British Columbian families. The public wants us

to do that for them, and I know the people of Prince George–Mackenzie want me to be

working on that.

Canada is not for sale, and neither is British Columbia, but we need to stand on our

own two feet by getting our own economic house in order. Let’s truly get on board

with Team Canada and fight for British Columbians.

[10:45 a.m.]

Paul Choi : I rise today in support of the motion condemning President Donald Trump’s proposed

tariffs on Canadian goods — tariffs that are wrong, unjustified and threaten our national

sovereignty.

Let me be clear at the outset that this is not a fight that we picked, and it is not

a fight we want. However, these punitive tariffs pose an immediate threat to Canadian

jobs, services and communities, and we must respond firmly and strategically to protect

British Columbians and all Canadians.

We should all be able to agree that protecting our workers and our local industry

is not a partisan issue. This motion is grounded in the fundamental principle, and

I urge every member of this House, regardless of party affiliation, to support it.

As a former business owner and a former president of the North Road Business Improvement

Association, many of my friends and neighbours are suffering. Every Canadian, every

British Columbian, should be able to stand behind our workers, our businesses and

our national sovereignty without hesitation.

British Columbians, from loggers and miners in the north to advanced tech workers

and agrifood producers in the south, are worried about their jobs and their futures

right now. My own constituents in Burnaby South–Metrotown include small business owners

who import and export seafood and B.C. wine, and it took over decades to build cross-border

relationships that are now in jeopardy due to President Trump.

Across our province, people tell us that they’re condemning…. They’re concerned and

want to know that their government and their elected representatives have their back.

Premier David Eby has been clear. We stand with B.C. workers, businesses and families.

The motion before us endorses a nationally coordinated Team Canada plan. This means

standing side by side with federal, provincial and territorial leaders to present

a united front, maximizing our political, economic and diplomatic leverage. Even in

the midst of our everyday differences, we share a deep love for our country. We owe

it to all Canadians to stand strong when faced with unfair tariffs that threaten jobs

and economic stability from coast to coast to coast.

For my part as Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade, I have been working

closely with my colleagues to diversify our trade partnerships and reduce overdependence

on an increasingly unreliable neighbour.

That’s not to say that we reject friendship or commerce with the United States. It’s

far from it. We value our neighbours, many of whom are also strongly opposed to these

tariffs. But we cannot allow our national prosperity to rest on precarious trade policies

that can shift with the political winds.

So even as we tackle the ongoing challenges of global inflation and supply chain disruptions,

we face new threats that could devastate the livelihoods of many B.C. families. We

cannot keep all of our eggs in one basket, and that’s why we’re ramping up efforts

and strengthening existing relationships with Asia and beyond.

As Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade, I have been meeting with Korea,

China, India, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia consul generals, to name a few, and

trade partners to discuss how we can increase our trade relationships and mutually

improve our economy.

British Columbia is the best province in the greatest country on earth. It is our

duty to protect the people who live here — their jobs, their services and our shared

future. This motion affirms that commitment by condemning these unjustified tariffs

and endorsing a plan to respond if necessary.

We do not seek conflict. We seek fairness and security for our communities. Let’s

be clear to Donald Trump or anyone else who might threaten our sovereignty with unfair

trade measures.

[10:50 a.m.]

We will stand together as Canadians, proud and resolute. We will protect our workers,

our businesses and our industries with all the tools at our disposal.

I urge all members of this House to support this motion. Let us unite in a spirit

of cooperation and show British Columbians and the world that we are prepared to act

decisively and in unison to safeguard the economic well-being of our province and

our country.

Trevor Halford : I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to today’s motion. I don’t think anyone

wants to see punitive tariffs put forward. I say this, and I mean this respectfully.

Part of the challenge we have, when we look at the comments we’ve seen from the Premier,

is around the genuineness of those comments, the authenticity of those comments.

We just saw one of the greatest hockey games witnessed, with Canada versus the U.S.,

and fortunately we came out on top. We saw that same moment of pride in the 2010 Olympics

when we were cheering our men and women to get gold, one of the most successful games

ever hosted and games that brought hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy.

And great memories. I remember sitting with my son, watching those games. I also remember

the now Premier of the province chasing police and offering support to protesters

during those games — games where we were all wrapped in the flag of Canada, yet the

leader of this province chose a much, much different tack.

When we talk about the issues out in front of us, one of the biggest challenges that

I see is how unprepared we are economically for what lies in front of us now. These

are scary times.

The previous speaker talked about the impacts on small business. We have to look at

the fact that small businesses, before these tariffs were even mentioned, were hanging

on by a thread. Now it’s even worse. We have to look at the fact….

When we talk about standing up for our workers, have we been standing up for our workers

over the last seven years? The workers that were working on the TMX line — did we

stand up for those workers? Some of us in this House did. Some of us in this House

did not, very openly.

When we talk about LNG, did we stand up for those workers? Some of us did; some of

us clearly did not. In the last 90 days…. Those same people are going to stand up,

and they’re going to champion those workers and say: “Today we have your back.” Well,

what about tomorrow? What about next year? What about the year after that? Will those

same people have those workers’ backs then?

Part of the problem that we have is…. When we look at things and we want to say….

We want to invite people to B.C. Then be competitive. Have a tax structure that is

competitive. Don’t change the goalposts on industries in the middle of a game. Don’t

do that, right? Don’t pick winners and losers.

All of a sudden, in the last 90 days, this NDP government has decided that they are

going to champion business, that they are going to champion the resource sector. They’re

going to champion LNG. They’re going to champion forestry. They’re going to champion

mining, film. We’re going to do it all.

I think that there’s a problem when it comes to the integrity of those comments. Over

seven years, to back that up with facts…. The facts are that government is bloated,

big business has become small business, and small businesses, a lot of them, have

gone out of business under this government.

[10:55 a.m.]

Now we’re looking at them to save us, when we have the opportunity to step in and

support them, and this NDP government absolutely failed to do it at every single turn.

Nobody wants to see these tariffs. Nobody. But what we want to see is a government

with some integrity that will stand up and actually do the right thing today, tomorrow

and the next day, not because they’re shamed or they’re scared, but because it’s the

right thing to do.

Amna Shah : I am pleased to rise in support of this motion, and I’ll start with a quote: “We

don’t need Canada for lumber, because we have big forests that we have. We don’t need

anything. We don’t need their fuel. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need their

oil and gas. We don’t need anything that they have.” These are the words of Donald

Trump. To our great nation, these words are disrespectful and simply untrue.

Here’s another quote: “I called him Governor Trudeau because they should be the 51st

state. It would make a great state, and the people of Canada like it.” These are also

the words of Donald Trump. And to me, it is no joke.

British Columbians are deeply worried about their jobs, their livelihood and their

future. With his relentless taunting, his 51st state rhetoric and his commitment to

impose heavy tariffs, Donald Trump has jeopardized our once prosperous relationship.

With the recklessness with which he treats the global community, he has reduced Canadians

to mere pawns to play with on his path to world domination.

Although the words are outrageous, hurtful and disappointing, his actions will ruin

lives. Trump’s tariffs could cripple our economy, forcing workers out of their jobs

and business owners out of their businesses. There is too much at stake, and this

will impact us for many years to come.

We did not ask for this, and we do not want this. But we will also not stand for any

of it. It is crucial for us to unite under a Team Canada approach and do what is required

to protect British Columbians. This means standing side by side with leaders across

this country to develop a coordinated response which maximizes our economic leverage.

This includes measured retaliatory actions which strategically are targeted to industries,

sectors and particular regions.

This Team Canada approach is not bound by political persuasion. It welcomes everybody

to work together to protect our sovereignty and strengthen our province. We’ve gotten

started on this work already, fast-tracking infrastructure projects, mine expansions

and energy projects, because we know that our resources are critical to our strength

as a province.

We need to reduce our dependency on our southern neighbour, who is becoming increasingly

unreliable. Diversifying our economy will strengthen it for generations to come. We

have to find new trading partners and strengthen the relationships we have now. We

have been working with other provinces across Canada to increase interprovincial trade

and reduce barriers because they too understand the importance of our partnership.

This is not a flash in the pan. This is the foundation for the future benefit of all

Canadians. We simply cannot allow ourselves to be put in this situation again. We

here in Canada value diplomacy, including in this House, and we encourage peace across

the world. But make no mistake. We also stand up to bullies. We do not let foreign

interests dictate our future, and we certainly will not let a foreign leader threaten

our sovereignty.

Canadians across the country and British Columbians across this province are standing

together with a show of unity and with strength. Every day, I see more families, more

friends choosing to buy local British Columbian products or buying Canadian products,

supporting our local businesses and our local industries.

[11:00 a.m.]

Like their efforts, British Columbians also expect leadership from our government

to protect our economy and our local industry. That is exactly what we will do, but

we have to do this together. We love our province, and we love our country and all

its people. That’s why we call on all sides of the House to join us in our pointed

approach to show British Columbians that we are united in defending and protecting

them regardless of what the future may bring.

There is no one political side that owns the Canadian flag. There is no one political

side that owns unity in this country and in this province. I urge the members opposite

to come together with us to show British Columbians that we are united when it is

called for. We are strong when it’s required to protect not just British Columbians

but Canadians across this country.

Peter Milobar : As we’ve heard from my colleagues that have spoken previously, of course we do not

want to see tariffs, of course we do not want harm to come to our economy, and of

course we do not want to have strained relationships with our friends and family and

good trading partners down in the United States.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

All of that is true, but more than one thing can be true at the same time. What is

also true is that we have a Premier with a very checkered history of taking stands

on things, depending on what is the most politically convenient for him, be it, as

we heard, what he used to do in support of protests against the Olympics, be it the

government stance of the day about every tool in the toolbox.

Well, the Premier at the time was the Attorney General. Guess who was the one dragging

the TMX through Supreme Court after Supreme Court, despite advice that it would be

a failed exercise, to do nothing more than delay the project.

We saw delays on Site C because of performance politics by the NDP. We saw LNG delayed

and delayed because of this government, and future phases of LNG delayed because of

this government. So when the Premier talks a good game, that’s really all it is, is

talk.

When the Premier now, suddenly, wants to talk about interprovincial trade…. Why has

this government not talked about the committee that has existed since 2017, literally

the whole time this government has been in power, of all the provincial trade ministers

and the federal trade minister, that has one task: break down interprovincial trade.

We have nothing to show for that.

In fact, the day before the first tariff was supposed to take effect, you wouldn’t

know it, but that same committee actually met. The only reason you would know it is

if you happened to go onto our Minister of Jobs’ Twitter page to see a picture she

posted. So she was at the meeting. Apparently nothing happened at the meeting, because

the government didn’t even inform the public, the day before a trade war, that our

Trade Minister was supposed to be talking with other trade ministers about interprovincial

trade.

Actions actually matter in the middle of a trade war. When you have a 23 percent tariff

equivalent of interprovincial trade barriers in B.C., the second-worst in the country

— only Quebec is worse — here’s a thought. Maybe, while running record deficits and

talking about how you’re going to grow the economy, you could have actually gotten

rid of the interprovincial trade barriers to grow our economy and not run record deficits.

Maybe you don’t need the President to march you to do that.

When you talk about buying local, here is one subsector of the economy that has been

pleading with this government for the last several years: the craft brewing industry,

which has been on its knees. We are seeing them close all over our cities and towns.

They have had three very simple requests. They are asking the government about a markup

reduction. Can’t get an answer from government on that for years now. They are asking

the government to adjust the hectolitres they produce before they hit certain triggers

to put them on more of an equal footing of the big international breweries. Can’t

get an answer from government on that. That wouldn’t even cost the government any

money of any consequence.

[11:05 a.m.]

Here’s one that really wouldn’t cost the government any money. As I stand here today,

they are actively removing listings and making it harder on a store-by-store basis

in government liquor stores for craft brewers to access shelf space. They are not

directing the stores to not have that discretion.

They can talk about banning bourbon all they want, this government. Maybe they could

actually help our local producers. Maybe they could get rid of some of the ridiculous

packaging requirements that they have that do nothing but add costs to craft brewing.

That’s just one small segment.

The government and the Premier have talked about expediting permitting for years now.

Why is this language any different? They’ve cut a deal with the Green Party to stay

in power, and now, suddenly, they’re not going to have any environmental assessments.

Can anyone actually believe that’s true? It is ridiculous in the extreme where we

have landed.

I absolutely oppose the threat to Canada, the threat to sovereignty and the tariff

war that might be coming at us. But make no mistake about it: this Premier has had

years to clean up the mess and has done nothing about it to this point.

Jessie Sunner : I rise today to support the motion of my colleague from Coquitlam-Maillardville.

As we all know, President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs are unjustified and unwarranted,

and they threaten every worker, every family and every business in British Columbia

and across Canada. His proposed tariffs threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs across

Canada, and they will significantly raise costs for consumers in both Canada and the

United States.

These tariffs are simply wrong. If implemented, they will disrupt trade, hurt consumers

and create instability in key industries across North America. Whether it’s tariffs

on aluminum and steel or unfair duties on our softwood lumber, these tariffs are designed

to undermine the strong economic partnership that has long benefited both Canada and

the United States.

But here’s the thing. Trade is not a zero-sum game. Our economies are deeply interconnected.

Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner, and millions of jobs on both

sides of the border rely on a smooth flow of goods between our two nations.

In British Columbia, our forestry, agriculture and manufacturing businesses depend

on fair access to American markets. Tariffs don’t just hurt businesses; they threaten

the livelihood of the workers and the families as well. As we’ve seen for decades

with softwood lumber, the United States has unfairly targeted Canada’s lumber industry

with duties and tariffs.

These tariffs don’t protect American workers. They only make housing costs more expensive

in the United States while putting Canadian jobs and industries at risk. It’s a lose-lose

situation for all of us.

We simply cannot allow the interests of one political leader in another country to

dictate the future of all Canadians, now or ever. This is also why we’re taking action

to diversify our economy, reduce our dependence on the United States and strengthen

trade relationships with other provinces and countries.

This is also why we must have a Team Canada approach, one where government, business

leaders and workers stand united against unjust tariff threats, an approach where

we all come together across the aisle, putting aside partisan labels for the shared

love of our country and its people. We must fight these proposed tariffs together,

from coast to coast to coast, and send a strong signal that we are all united together.

If President Trump chooses to impose tariffs on Canada, we must respond strategically

with targeted tariffs of our own, ones that hit key specific states where it will

have the most impact and apply the most pressure on the U.S. government while also

minimizing the negative effects on British Columbians and Canadians.

Canada is a major buyer of U.S. agricultural products, manufacturing goods and energy

exports. By placing tariffs on goods from these specific states, states that rely

on exports from Canada, we send a very clear message: if you hurt our workers and

our industries, we will make sure that your states also feel the effects.

This isn’t just about economics. It’s about sovereignty, it’s about fairness, and

it’s about clearly demonstrating that there are consequences for attacking Canadians

and Canadian industries.

[11:10 a.m.]

We did not start this tariff fight. We do not want this tariff fight, but we will

not be bullied into submission, and we will not back down. We will do everything we

can to protect the home, the province and the country that we all love.

Together across the aisles, let’s condemn President Trump’s proposed tariffs. Let’s

push back against policies that hurt Canadian workers and drive up costs for families

on both sides of the border, and let’s come together as a country, as a province and

as a community and make it clear that we will never, ever be the 51st state.

Harman Bhangu : Today we are discussing a motion put forward by the NDP that seeks to condemn President

Donald Trump and the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods.

While I understand the sentiment behind this motion, we must recognize that it ultimately

is a distraction from the pressing issues that British Columbians face every day.

In fact, this motion doesn’t create one job, any real solutions to the challenges

we are grappling with in our province. Instead, it appears to be a politically motivated

attempt to divide our economy while this province continues to struggle.

British Columbia is at a crossroads. Our industries are in crisis. The forestry sector,

which has long been a cornerstone of our economy, is crumbling under the weight of

this government’s mismanagement and unfriendly regulatory environment. The challenges

faced by our forestry workers and communities cannot be overstated. Families are suffering

as jobs disappear, and rural communities that depend on these industries are being

decimated.

Instead of addressing the urgent issues, the NDP is focused on finger-pointing at

President Trump, as if this will somehow alleviate the pain felt by our workers.

Let’s not forget that the Premier of this province promised British Columbians a $1,000

relief to help families coping with the cost-of-living crisis, yet when it came to

the time, he took that promise away.

This is a clear indication that we do not have the robust economy that he praises

and has promised to this province. It is a government that can’t fulfil such a fundamental

commitment. How can we expect them to effectively manage our economy or protect our

workers from external pressures?

The proposed tariffs are indeed a concern, but let’s be clear. Targeting Republican

states for political gain is not a strategy. That will not help British Columbians.

This approach is not only misguided, but it also serves to distract us from the urgent

work needed to support our industries and create jobs here at home. Rather than rallying

together and finding solutions, the NDP is using this motion to engage in political

theatre, hoping to shift the blame away from their own failures.

Furthermore, we must acknowledge that the real threat to our economy does not come

solely from the actions of the U.S. government. The true threats lie within our borders.

We have seen the rise in drug-related issues that are tearing apart our communities,

a situation exacerbated by the ineffective policies and a lack of real solutions.

We need to confront the crisis of addiction and ensure that our communities are safe

and thriving.

Additionally, we need to address the barriers that hinder interprovincial trade. British

Columbians should not be facing roadblocks when they’re trying to conduct business

within their own country.

We must work towards eliminating these barriers, fostering a competitive environment

that benefits our businesses and workers. It is essential that we create a seamless

and supportive economic landscape that allows British Columbians to thrive, rather

than an environment of division and conflict pushed by this NDP government.

Another critical point that must be made is the need for resource development. I just

did a tour across this province, went down to Cranbrook, Prince George and everywhere.

I’ve seen how we have neglected the North. We have left them behind. We haven’t made

a single investment in the North. And I remind you W.A.C. Bennett invested in the

North and came back and helped build the Lower Mainland, something we forget. Fort

St. John used to be the capital of this province.

[11:15 a.m.]

Once again, this motion is nothing but political theatre by this NDP government, just

to pit one another against each other. We all have different beliefs and everything.

We all came into this House to help British Columbians, and for some reason, this

government continues to keep the focus on American politics. During the election,

it was never us that talked about this. It continues to be this NDP government that

wants to pit everyone against each other.

The path forward isn’t about political posturing; it is about action. It’s time to

build an economy that isn’t at the mercy of U.S. trade disputes, an economy that stands

on its own, driven by innovation, industry, investment. That’s what British Columbians

deserve, and that’s what we should be fighting for in this House.

Dana Lajeunesse : Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs present an existential threat to the economy of British

Columbia, the likes of which we’ve never experienced. If these tariffs do come into

effect, we need to take a stand to protect our economy and, with it, the financial

well-being of the people of our province.

To be clear, this is not intended to be a threat to the American people. My wife,

who just last year became a Canadian citizen, was born and raised in the United States,

and three-plus generations of her family, my in-laws, reside in various locations

throughout the U.S. I’d be fiercely hesitant to get behind any legislation on this

side of the border that has the potential to cause them any harm, fiscally or otherwise.

But the reality is that we were elected to protect the best interests of the people

of British Columbia, and that is exactly what this proposed legislation is intended

to do. Most, if not all, U.S. citizens consider Canadians to be their best friends

and allies. Many are not even aware how potentially devastating these proposed tariffs

will be to our nation and our province, and it is up to us to send them a clear message.

This is why we believe it is essential that our Republican state counterparts get

the message loud and clear that we will not roll over and accept these intolerable

attacks on our economic livelihood. We need to use all means necessary to persuade

them to stand up and make clear to their federal leadership that this is unacceptable.

We’re still dealing with lingering supply chain challenges brought on by the recent

global pandemic. We’re finally beginning to see some relief with respect to declining

interest rates resulting from stabilized inflation. We’re not prepared to accept a

new manufactured crisis that will surely send our economic recovery into a tailspin.

With change comes opportunity. As Canadians, we’re fully aware that we are stronger

together. Our government is in the process of reducing interprovincial trade barriers,

as well as expanding international markets, to ensure that B.C.’s economy becomes

stronger than ever, now and well into the future. We’re taking steps to diversify

and expand our economy to reduce our dependency on our southern neighbours, who have

until now been an economically stable ally.

Over the years, our two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder through difficult

times, and we will continue to do so in the future. But at this point in our history,

we need to take a stand against this unprecedented threat to our sovereignty.

We are and will continue to explore and expand opportunities, both foreign and domestic,

that attract and encourage investments to strengthen and diversify our economy while

protecting the environment, so that we will always remain beautiful British Columbia.

We’re fast-tracking targeted projects worth over $20 billion in the energy and mining

sectors to help bolster our economy by providing well-paying jobs in various regions

throughout the province.

The majority of British Columbians living today have never faced an existential threat

to our way of life by a foreign adversary. But if history has taught us anything,

it’s that now is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves. Canada is a sovereign

nation, and we intend to keep it as such. Therefore, we will use every tool in our

toolbox to protect our freedoms.

[11:20 a.m.]

We would be naive to suspect that it will always be easy, but when called upon, we

will always fight to honour the immense sacrifices that previous generations so willingly

made for us.

Challenging times sometimes call for drastic measures, and although we did not ask

for this fight, we do not intend to roll over. As proud Canadians and British Columbians,

we will use every tool imaginable to avoid becoming victimized by a tyrannical leader

from outside our borders.

It’s important to note that we, as Canadians and British Columbians, have done nothing

to provoke this ridiculous attack on our economic well-being, nor to our sovereignty.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that we will remain forever the true

north, strong and free.

Sharon Hartwell : I rise today as a proud British Columbian and a Canadian.

Canada is built on hard work, free enterprise and strong communities where we stand

up for one another and fight for fairness. We believe in defending our workers, industries

and economy from unfair attacks, whether from Washington or at home.

This motion does nothing to actually help British Columbians. It’s empty rhetoric

designed to score political points, not solve the real challenges facing our workers

and businesses.

We, in the official opposition, have been on Team B.C. from the very beginning. That’s

why we’ve been calling for real action to strengthen our industries, not just grandstanding

when it’s politically convenient. That’s why we urge diplomacy over recklessness.

When this government chose overheated rhetoric, that only makes things worse.

That’s why we put forward a real ten-point plan to grow our economy and eliminate

trade barriers, instead of picking political fights for headlines. It’s why we’ve

been fighting to end foreign interference in our economy.

While this government puts on a show today, they’ve welcomed American money pouring

into radical environmental groups that work against B.C. jobs, against our resource

industries and against the very workers they claim to support.

They talk about the north, strong and free. That’s where I’m from, and it’s suffering

greatly. If the NDP were truly standing up for B.C., they wouldn’t just talk tough

when it suits them. They would take real action to protect our economy every single

day.

They would ensure fair competition for our industries by applying the same carbon

tax on U.S. thermal coal that B.C. coal already faces. They would cut the layers of

bureaucracy that make it impossible to do business here, and they would focus on securing

our borders and ports, instead of ignoring the flow of fentanyl and organized crime

that is devastating communities across this province.

We could have real solutions. We could immediately move to eliminate interprovincial

trade barriers, as Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has committed to do. Immediately

advance phase 2 of Kitimat LNG. Get rid of the carbon tax. Immediately eliminate CO 2 emission caps. Eliminate the requirement that LNG projects use electricity for compression.

Instead, the NDP has spent years undermining B.C.’s resource industries, attacking

our traditions and even suggesting that the very name British Columbia is offensive.

Now they want to act like defenders of our economy? British Columbians can see through

this.

Words don’t pay the bills. Rhetoric doesn’t bring back lost jobs, and empty motions

won’t make B.C. an economic leader again. This motion is nothing but a distraction.

It doesn’t solve anything. It’s political posturing designed to paint those of us

who actually want to strengthen B.C.’s economy.

We will not play into that game. The real opportunity here isn’t to fire off political

statements. It’s to actually fight for B.C., to restore our economy, cut the red tape

strangling our industries and ensure our resource workers can compete on a fair playing

field. We are on Team B.C., not Team B.C. grandstanding, not a team distraction.

It’s time for leadership that actually gets results.

Debra Toporowski / Qwulti’stunaat : I want to speak in support of the private members’ motion on Donald Trump’s tariffs.

[11:25 a.m.]

Canadians across the country, including British Columbians, are worried about their

jobs, their livelihoods and their futures. People are concerned about what tariffs

will mean for them. We hear those concerns, and we’re taking action to protect British

Columbians, whatever may come.

In the face of an unprecedented and unjustified threat to our economy, British Columbians

are joining with all Canadians to fight back. We’ve come together to support each

other and stand up for our country. We are saying with one united voice that we will

never be the 51st state, not now or ever. Instead, we will take our destiny in our

hands by building on our strengths.

During its first four weeks, the new United States presidential administration has

taken our country on a roller-coaster ride, and we must be prepared for this to continue

for the next four years. The historic bond between Canada and the United States has

been strained in profound ways. Trust has been broken. It will not easily be repaired.

No matter what the future has in store, one thing has been made clear. We will not

leave our future success to the whims of the unpredictable forces beyond our borders

or leave people here to fend for themselves.

We are at a crossroads. The journey ahead will not be easy. No matter what Trump decides

to do, we’ll be taking action to diversify our economy and become less dependent on

the United States. That means finding new trading partners and strengthening the relationships

we have now.

But first, we need to start at home. There is nowhere better positioned to weather

this storm and come out of the other side stronger than here in British Columbia.

We know that in times of crisis, Canadians come together to support each other. Now

when we are threatened with devastating and unfair tariffs, we need to put aside partisan

labels and bring people together. It is important to be strategic in responding to

these unprecedented tariff threats.

Americans are our friends and neighbours. Many of us have family members who live

in the United States. We take the concerns about the borders very seriously. But as

Trump says himself, he wants Canada to be the 51st state, and he’s using the tariffs

as a leverage.

We hear it from people across B.C.: we need to stand strong for Canada and British

Columbians and stand up to Donald Trump and his completely unjustified tariff threats.

B.C. is an extraordinary place. Our province has everything we need to succeed: a

strong economy supported by many different industries, abundant natural resources,

clean energy the world needs and our most important strength of all, the people who

call this extraordinary place home. The people of B.C. are hard-working, highly skilled

and resilient. This is who we are.

No matter what, we will do everything in our power to protect our communities, protect

jobs, protect services and protect our national sovereignty. But we must do this together.

Jordan Kealy : The current NDP approach is punishing the people of B.C. with tax after tax and taxes

upon tax, far more than any other country. The only solution that this government

has offered is to decrease our way of life and put us all into poverty and despair.

Is this a war on tariffs and the economy, or is it a war of political polarization?

We need to focus on the well-being of British Columbians and not compare which leader

has the biggest stick. Our job as politicians is to avoid, at all costs, engaging

in a tariff trade war, especially against an ally that we rely heavily on.

I don’t mind a good fight, and I think our hockey team did a great job, but economically,

the only outcome of this scenario is the taxpayers paying the ultimate price.

[11:30 a.m.]

In B.C. and my region, we have seen mills close due to punitive tariffs from the last

President. Where was the help from the NDP for our forest sector then?

Is the NDP going to start eliminating taxes that are putting us into poverty and stop

going after the Republican bourbon?

I’m completely against these tariffs, because as a farmer I am not far off from selling

everything due to the increased costs. Seeing any increases just makes B.C. less attractive

to do business and drives away confidence to invest in our province. When is this

government going to cut taxes to help our way of life and not focus on targeting tariffs

towards the right spectrum?

People are already being forced to rely on food banks just to survive and can barely

pay for heat. When will this government finally put struggling families first and

cancel the upcoming carbon tax increase? When is the NDP going to increase our refining

capacity so we aren’t heavily reliant on the U.S. for gas, diesel, bunker fuel and

aviation gas here on the coast?

When I pay my $586 natural gas bill and the gas itself is $117, everything else is

fees and taxes. The carbon tax is $161. The carbon tax is more than the actual product

that I use in my house. This sounds like rural communities are being persecuted for

not really having any viable alternatives, and it will just get worse if we stay on

this path.

We have record debt federally and provincially. We need fiscal responsibility and

commitment to our taxpayers. I became a politician to best serve my region, and I’m

not here to play games and waste time. My constituents need help, and they need it

now. Banning Kentucky bourbon is ridiculous, and we will see possible retaliation,

like a John Deere tractor double in price for farmers. How many businesses are going

to go bankrupt when that kind of vengeance happens?

British Columbia and Canada have the potential to provide everything we need, all

on our own, but we need to build our infrastructure and cut all the red tape to make

it happen. Fixing our own supply chain is not a quick process.

Proper diplomacy has to be the answer to this scenario to stop these divisive tactics

by the NDP. I’m voting for this motion, but I do not support most of it. The polarizing

tone…. I feel this motion was worded to entrap support, to create an even bigger divide

with our neighbour. This trick to vote for this is why politicians get a bad name.

We should do better for our province and country.

I love my country, and I embrace its beauty. When Connor McDavid scored that game-winning

goal, I felt pride. But I also remember, previously to that game, Canadians booing

the national anthem of our neighbour. I felt shame.

We need camaraderie with our neighbour, and we need to be the better example and find

balance to be proud of.

Steve Morissette : This is clearly a non-partisan motion that, as Canadians first, we British Columbians

must unify in support of.

We nearly all have friends and/or family south of the 49th parallel. For more than

two centuries, we have a history of close friendship as allies, partners in trading,

science, defence, agriculture, resource industries, manufacturing, fighting wildfire,

restoring power after storms and response to 9/11. You name the challenge, and we

have been there for the U.S.A. and them for us. This has been a shining example for

the world of what can be accomplished when nations work together for the common good.

[11:35 a.m.]

This threat of unjustified tariffs has awakened us. I’ll be the first to admit that

we as Canadians have been complacent. Our relationship with our closest friends has

been comfortable and safe. We could count on our mutually beneficial markets to sustain

us and provide good incomes to the hardworking people on both sides of the border.

With the stroke of a pen, that will change dramatically to the detriment of those

same hardworking people. There can be no finger-pointing. Successive governments,

both federally and provincially, have worked to diversify markets with only moderate

success. The reason is that for private business, the huge American market is right

there. Why on earth would any business spend time and money marketing products around

the world when they can sell everything they produce to their closest neighbour?

Everything has changed. Canadians across our country and British Columbians are worried

for their jobs and futures. We did not start this tariff fight, and we do not want

any part of it. But fight we will. We will reduce our reliance on the American market.

We will work to diversify our trade with a never-seen-before urgency. There is also,

finally, impetus across the country to reduce internal trade barriers.

We must grow our economy, and that is what we will do. We are fast-tracking projects,

not haphazardly with reckless abandon. These projects will be vetted to ensure sustainability

and environmental safeguards.

We can definitely benefit from stronger border security as well, particularly in our

British Columbia ports. We will continue to push the federal government for improvements.

It will take a lot of collaborative work. We need all hands on deck, right across

the country. This threat demands a Team Canada approach; we must work together.

Each piece of our plan will help us get through this threat with a stronger, more

independent and resilient economy. But make no mistake. It is a huge challenge to

counter the loss of a market of 340 million people. We must hold our friendly American

friends close and not slam the door behind us. We are hopeful this is short-lived,

as Americans feel the pain of ignorant and callous tariffs levied by No. 47.

If required, our response in red states will send a strong message to those who have

used their free choice to support him. Choices do have consequences. We cannot let

a wannabe dictator and his henchmen insult us and disrespect our sovereignty. We cannot

let him define us in our American friendship.

I could have used some great Canadian lyrics to close, but I believe that by using

an American rock icon, it illustrates, while our culture is distinct and different

in key ways for us, how close our friendship really is. I will close with the late

Tom Petty’s lyrics — and don’t worry; I’ll spare you singing it. It goes like this:

“Well, I know what’s right

I got just one life

In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around

But I’ll stand my ground

And I won’t back down.”

I am fully in support of this motion by my colleague from Coquitlam-Maillardville.

Linda Hepner : I want to be clear. Conservatives have been on Team British Columbia since day one.

While others now scramble to talk tough, our position and pride in our province has

been principled and consistent. From day one, we have urged that diplomacy should

be attempted before escalatory rhetoric. We have put forward real solutions to strengthen

our industries, to protect jobs and to ensure long-term economic stability.

[11:40 a.m.]

Unlike the NDP, we are not afraid to call out the foreign interference that has weakened

British Columbia’s economic and resource sector for years. That is why we are pushing

to end U.S. money flowing into radical environmental groups determined to shut down

our industries and why we have called for a tax on U.S. thermal coal to be held in

trust until a fair softwood lumber deal can be reached.

British Columbians have been clear: they want a government that defends their interests,

that secures their future, that ensures their prosperity.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

What they don’t need are politicians who try to rewrite history, undermine confidence

in our industries and fail to stand up for our province when it matters most.

Meanwhile, the NDP has failed British Columbia at every turn. Today, they pretend

to stand up for our economy, but for years, they have undermined it. They have attacked

our history, our founders and even suggested that using the name British Columbia

is inappropriate and offensive.

This is the same NDP government that has done nothing to stop U.S.-funded organizations

from interfering in our natural resource sector, blocking investment and pushing policies

that cost British Columbians their jobs.

This is the same NDP government that has stalled our resource industries, burdened

businesses with their red tape, refused to take real action on border security and

trade enforcement.

They have welcomed foreign-funded activists who work against our resource workers

but now expect us to believe they are serious about defending our economic interests.

This is hypocrisy at its finest.

When the NDP has a chance to stand up for British Columbia, they don’t. When they

have a chance to challenge the interference of foreign-backed organizations, they

won’t. And when they have the opportunity to make British Columbia more competitive,

they choose instead to make it more difficult to do business, more costly to invest

and more uncertain for workers and employers alike.

British Columbians deserve leadership that recognizes this moment for what it is:

a wake-up call. Instead of relying on empty rhetoric, we need to seize this opportunity

to build a stronger, more resilient province. That means securing our industries,

increasing our self-sufficiency and making sure that British Columbia is never again

left vulnerable to the whims of a foreign administration.

It means supporting our resource industries, not attacking them. It means prioritizing

the workers of British Columbia, not special interest groups with foreign funding

and political agendas. It means ensuring that when trade disputes arise, we are prepared

not just to respond, but to build a province that is strong, competitive and resilient

enough to thrive, regardless of political decisions made in Washington or anywhere

else.

Let’s be honest. This moment is not just about trade. This is about the bigger picture.

The NDP’s failures extend beyond tariffs and economic mismanagement.

Their policies have fuelled a fentanyl crisis that has devastated our communities.

They have allowed our ports and borders to be exploited, creating risks, not just

for our economy, but for the safety of our people. While they claim to stand up for

British Columbians, they have let organized crime, foreign influence and deadly substances

flood into our communities.

The Speaker : Thank you, Member.

Linda Hepner : Our commitment is clear. We will always put British Columbia first. We need leadership

and a government that will fight for British Columbia.

[11:45 a.m.]

The Speaker : The Chair will recognize the member for Coquitlam-Maillardville to close the debate.

Jennifer Blatherwick : I see that there are members of the opposition that do not agree with support for

Team Canada, the Team Canada approach, and that is their right. As it stands in this

House, we have the freedom to speak our minds. However, I would remind us all again

that there is no freedom from consequence.

I also do thank many of them for echoing the steps outlined in the throne speech and

showing support for the actions already underway in the province. I also would thank

them for any potential support for this motion and remind them that we all had the

option to make amendments to the motion today if we did not agree with the entire

text.

In my first speech in the House, I mentioned that I had been fortunate to be raised

by my grandparents, who lived through World War II. It allowed me to hear directly

from people who understood from very close up the consequences of acquiescing to the

bullying of a larger, more aggressive nation. My grandmother said that you needed

to learn to identify those who, if you give them an inch, will take a mile, and they’ll

walk that mile all over your back — and not just our backs.

In this House, we have secure jobs with some insulation from the enormous economic

shift these tariffs threaten. The burden will be on the backs of British Columbians,

Canadians, who can least afford to lose those jobs.

It will be people who work in manufacturing and resources, and it will also be in

grocery stores, in retail, in restaurants, in child care, the lower wage jobs that

are disproportionately filled by women, gender diverse, 2SLGTBIAQ+ people, those with

disabilities, new Canadians and racialized people — those who are often the least

likely to have the savings and resources that will allow them to transition to another

job.

The consequences will not just be economic. We know from our experiences of the pandemic

that when there are job losses and tough economic times, intimate partner violence

and domestic abuse rise.

There is going to be no peace in our time if we just turn our heads away. If we turn

our heads away, he will step on our necks. We cannot give up on our principles to

appease an aggressor. They are not looking for a compromise; they are looking for

an opportunity. If we appease them, they will move the goalpost until we fall over

it, and then they can step over us.

I mentioned that my grandfather was a student of history. We talked so much about

what leads nations into conflict. I thank the member opposite for his quote from Diefenbaker,

and I will answer him with one from Churchill. One of my grandfather’s favourite books

was Churchill’s Second World War .

Churchill was a complicated man. There is so much about him that I would disagree

with, but I do think he understood about standing up to unjustified threats from aggressive

powers.

On this he was correct: “Appeasement from strength is magnanimous and noble and might

be the surest and the only path to world peace. When nations or individuals get strong,

they are often truculent and bullying, but when they are weak, they become better-mannered.

But that is the reverse of what is healthy and wise. In a position where an aggressor

is pursuing you, an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him

last.”

This motion is not about anyone else’s actions; it is about our choices here, now,

today. We did not choose this situation. We did not want it. But when we are threatened

by bullies, we can’t back down. I hope we all continue to do everything we can to

protect this home we love, and that each of us can vote with our conscience.

The Speaker : Members, just for clarity, the member who moved the motion has already closed the

debate.

[11:50 a.m.]

The motion reads: “That this House condemns President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs

as wrong and unjustified measures aimed at threatening Canadian sovereignty and endorses

the nationally coordinated Team Canada plan to respond with proportionate retaliatory

action if necessary, including strategically targeting industries and regions such

as products from Republican states, to maximize pressure to deter President Trump

from implementing or continuing tariffs.”

You have heard the motion.

Division has been called. Pursuant to Standing Order 25, the division is deferred

until 6 p.m. today.

Hon. Lisa Beare moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker: This House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. today.

The House adjourned at 11:51 a.m.