VICTORIA — British Columbia's throne speech depicts the province at its "most consequential time" since the Second World War as it faces the threat of U.S. tariffs.
The speech delivered by Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia on behalf of the NDP government outlines its agenda that evokes wartime imagery with references to Winston Churchill, D-Day and the battle against Nazism.
It says a "tariff war" with the United States would be devastating to families on both sides of the border but the province must fight back "firmly and forcefully if required."
The speech says British Columbians have been put on a "roller-coaster ride" by the White House for the past four weeks, and they must prepare for it to continue for the next four years.
It says of the U.S.-Canada relationship that "trust has been broken and will not easily be repaired," and that Canada will never be the 51st state.
The speech says the B.C. government has a three-part strategy; to strengthen and grow the economy, diversify trade relationships and respond to American threats.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2025.
Marcy Nicholson, The Canadian Press
