B.C. businesses urge lower barriers as U.S. tariffs escalate

British Columbia businesses are raising alarms as U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate, with new tariffs threatening jobs and economic growth in the province. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade says the tariffs unfairly target B.C. businesses, urging the provincial government to reduce internal trade barriers and support export diversification. Small business groups also call for removing regulatory burdens to help local firms withstand the impact. The escalation follows U.S. threats to double auto tariffs to 50 per cent, after trade talks broke down Friday. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised dollar-for-dollar retaliation by Sept. 8, while B.C. Premier David Eby called the tariffs an economic attack.