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Washington and B.C. Establish New Forum to Counter Trade Tensions and Tariffs

Lt.-Gov. Denny Heck leads delegation to Victoria for talks on cross-border trade, tariffs, and stalled Columbia River Treaty negotiations.

A political delegation from Washington state is visiting Victoria to try to deepen ties with British Columbia, amid cross-border turmoil triggered by a trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump's annexation talk.
Washington Lt.-Gov. Denny Heck speaks following the state of the state address from Gov. Jay Inslee during a joint legislative session at the Washington state capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Olympia, Wash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Lindsey Wasson

Overview

  • Washington Lt.-Gov. Denny Heck is meeting with all B.C. legislative parties to create a bilateral forum addressing trade and regional challenges.
  • The forum aims to mitigate economic impacts of U.S. tariffs, which have strained cross-border trade and hurt businesses on both sides.
  • Washington is British Columbia’s largest U.S. trading partner, accounting for 32% of B.C.'s exports.
  • Discussions include the stalled Columbia River Treaty renegotiations, which govern hydroelectric power and flood control between the regions.
  • B.C. Minister Rick Glumac expects recent talks between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump to influence the meeting's agenda.