B.C. premier hits back at Trump’s foreign made movie tariff threat

As the United States’ president threatens a new wave of tariffs that could devastate B.C.’s economy, Premier David Eby is doubling down.

During a news conference Monday, Eby said President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose 100 per cent tariffs on all foreign-made films is “ludicrous.”

“The president of the U.S. has been active again, threatening Canadian sovereignty, casting shadows and doubts on the election of our prime minister, threatening major industries, including our film industry — ludicrous suggestions all, and and yet he continues,” Eby said.

His statements come after Trump took to social media site Truth Social Sunday night, saying he has “authorized the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to slap a 100 per cent tariff “on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands.”

“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” he wrote, complaining that other countries “are offering all sorts of incentives to draw” filmmakers and studios away from the U.S. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”

It wasn’t immediately clear how any such tariff on international productions, including those in Canada, could be implemented. It’s common for both large and smaller films to include production both in the U.S. and other countries.

Eby reiterated that B.C. needs to do all it can to ensure it’s economy remains robust in the face of economic threats.

“More than ever, we have to ensure that we are using our economic advantages that we have here in British Columbia to support a Canadian-wide project, to ensure that our country can stand on our own two feet, reduce our reliance on the United States,” he explained.

He says the province has to do that at no extra cost, while protecting Canadian values, and “ensuring that we’re protecting our environment for future generations, ensuring that we’re doing this in a sustainable way and in a way that will grow prosperity for future generations, not take it away now.”

In a statement released on Monday, Vancouver’s mayor called Trump’s film-related threats “unwarranted and unjustified.”

“Canada and the United States share more than just a border. We share deep economic, cultural, and creative ties. For decades, Vancouver’s film industry has collaborated across the border to create iconic productions that have shaped global entertainment. It has been our talented crews and film professionals that have brought industry-leading expertise, experience, and world-class value to countless American productions,” Mayor Ken Sim explained.

He shared that Vancouver is a proud player in the global film industry, home to some of the world’s most talented artists and creative professionals.

“This proposed tariff doesn’t just hurt Canadian cities like Vancouver. It threatens the strength and resiliency of an entire industry, especially in the United States, that thrives on collaboration. We should be working together to create jobs, support talent, and build on our shared success. Not creating friction between neighbours and allies,” Sim said.

“Despite President Trump’s statement, Vancouver’s film industry isn’t going anywhere. We will continue to support world-class productions, champion innovation in visual effects, and provide an exceptional home for creative professionals from around the globe.”

With files from The Associated Press.