Eby Slams Trump with Fighter Jets and Coal in Escalating Trade War

British Columbia Premier David Eby suggested that the Canadian government consider taking action against the US in response to recent trade tensions. Specifically, he proposed reviewing Canada's planned purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin for $12 billion and imposing additional export tariffs or taxes on American thermal coal shipped through British Columbia.

Eby's comments come as the US-Canada trade relationship deteriorates sharply. The two countries have a significant trading partnership, with over $870 billion in goods and services traded between them in 2025. Trade negotiations broke down last week, and new 50% US tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian imports took effect Saturday.

The proposals are part of Canada's plan to retaliate against the US tariffs. Finance Minister Franois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada will impose dollar-for-dollar retaliation beginning September 8, targeting 27.6 billion Canadian dollars (or about $20 billion) in US imports, including steel, fish, dairy, and electronics.