“It’s bizarre to see the U.S. Department of Defense investing in Canadian mines one week and then labeling those same resources a threat deserving tariffs the next,” Eby said at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference.
The 25% tariffs, threatened by newly sworn-in U.S. President Donald Trump, show the fragility of Canada’s trade relationship with its largest partner, the premier said.
Mining remains key to B.C.’s economy and its resilience amid external pressures, Eby said. The premier, with a new majority mandate after the Oct. 19 election, minted the new Mining and Critical Minerals portfolio and appointed Minister Jagrup Brar to head the ministry.
$46bn in mineral exports
In 2023, Canada exported 77% of its goods to the United States, its largest trading partner. Metals and minerals made up a large part of these exports. They were worth $46.97 billion, and that made Canada the…
