B.C. border signs declare 'Never the 51st state' as Canada's counter-tariffs take effect

New signs at all British Columbia-U.S. border crossings will read: "Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!" Premier David Eby announced the message Tuesday, sporting a red plaid jacket he described as "the single most Canadian piece of clothing" he owns.

The announcement comes after U.S. President Trump shared memes over the weekend depicting a North American map with the U.S. flag imposed over Canada and Mexico. "The president is clearly unhinged," Eby said. "Those memes are bizarre. They are disturbing. They are not befitting the leader of the world's largest economy. The world's largest army."

"They carry a message that reflects the spirit of this moment," he said of the signs. "This is a uniquely Canadian message. It's confidence, good humour, and it's unmistakably clear: British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale."

Estimates suggest B.C. could lose thousands of jobs due to the trade war. "There is no getting around the fact that people will lose their jobs, and businesses will close on both sides of the border," Eby said. "That is the unfortunate reality of Trump's trade war."

The province is working with the federal government to support B.C. small businesses. Eby did not announce additional tariffs but said the province is reviewing further options. He asked the public service and ministers to identify opportunities to send a message to the American people and to build up B.C. and Canada.

Canada and the U.S. are not currently at the negotiating table. "We're not talking right now," Eby said. "The president is tweeting unhinged memes about the Prime Minister."