B.C. businesses can tap $1.5-billion federal fund if U.S. tariffs hit August 19

B.C. Premier David Eby says local businesses will have access to a federal emergency fund if the United States follows through on tariff threats set for August 19.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Canadian products, including those made from wood — a sector crucial to B.C.'s economy. Prime Minister Mark Carney told Eby that affected businesses in B.C. could apply to a support fund worth $1.5 billion. Eby said Carney confirmed the fund "has not been exhausted" and he expects there "should be more than enough in that regional fund" if the United States imposes the threatened tariffs.

However, Eby noted that the tariff plan is already costing B.C. businesses by creating uncertainty. He said the sooner the dispute can be resolved, the better.

Eby was speaking from Charlottetown, where he met with other first ministers, including Carney. At the meeting, provinces and territories discussed various ways to respond to the latest threat. Eby said he does not consider putting U.S. alcohol back on B.C. store shelves to be an option, a move that Trump has demanded. "There is no desire to put those products back on the shelves," Eby said. "At this point, this is a significant point of leverage for Canada in these conversations, and none of us is moving to put American booze back on the shelf." He also said there will be a separate gathering with the premiers of other provinces that have large softwood sectors.