FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCT. 30, 2025, VANCOUVER BC – CentreBC today warned that Premier Eby’s new anti-tariff ad campaign threatens national unity at a critical time, urging a more unified and diplomatic approach.
“Protecting BC’s softwood lumber industry is vital. But right now, what we need most is a united Team Canada front on the international stage,” said Trevor Loke, CentreBC spokesperson. “Highly public campaigns — even well intentioned — can weaken Canada’s negotiating position and hurt workers, families and communities our industries rely on.”
Ontario Premier Ford’s recent tariff ad, which included a 1981 Ronald Reagan radio address and aired during the US World Series, sparked a backlash Canada cannot afford to repeat.
As a direct result, President Trump used the ad as a pretext to halt trade negotiations with Canada, leaving Prime Minister Carney — in the middle of economic talks in South Asia — to field tough questions about whether provinces are coordinating with Ottawa.
“We’ve already seen how well-meaning but ill-timed political ads can backfire,” Loke continued. “CentreBC supports strong advocacy – but it must be grounded in collaboration and coordinated diplomacy. The Premier’s call for a First Ministers’ emergency meeting is a step in the right direction, promoting true teamwork over political theatre.”
Federal leadership under the Prime Minister has called for grit, unity, and a rapid return to the negotiating table. BC should stand with the Team Canada approach, avoiding tactics that could derail real progress.
“We urge Premier Eby to channel British Columbia’s energy into partnership with other provinces and the federal government, not symbolic gestures. The focus must stay on real solutions and progress, not headline-grabbing ads,” Loke concluded.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Scott Williams
CentreBC
604-356-7606
[email protected]
