Wednesday July 23, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today BC Premier David Eby participated in a joint Zoom call hosted by Washington Senator Patty Murray.
Also on the call were electrical engineer Edmund O. Schweitzer who founded Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (who promotes innovation) and Dan Tucker, executive director of the Working Waterfront Coalition (WWC).
They reviewed some of the challenges of moving forward economically as the Trump-initiated economic trade war continues.
BC is Washington State’s number two customer for exports, said Eby. Each jurisdiction “benefits by the specialties that we have”, said Eby, with a message of “we’re stronger together”.
“We’re united by free trade. Free trade works. It floats all boats,” said Schweitzer.
BC boycott is hurting WA:
However, as part of standing our ground, so long as the trade war continues, British Columbians “are making hard but necessary decisions to boycott American goods”, said Eby. Trips by British Columbians to Washington State are down by 35%, Eby said today.
It has been Eby’s government promoting “buy local, buy BC, buy Canadian” since Trump’s trade war started escalating in January 2025.
Today’s call was intended to be one of demonstrating unity between BC and Washington State, so that choices by consumers and businesses this year don’t contribute to long-term damage for both economies.
Shared relationship:
The current economic situation “doesn’t change our relationship with BC”, said Senator Murray.
Senator Murray pointed out that businesses need certainty and common sense. When tariffs raise costs for small business “that drives away loyal customers and trade partners. It makes life harder,” said Murray.
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