David Eby

What started as online threats from US President Trump ended with tangible consequences for BC, Premier David Eby says, as steep tariffs on timber pushed the province into economic triage in 2025. In a year end interview with CHEK’s Rob Shaw, Eby describes the past year as “wild,” with huge pressure placed on the forestry sector in particular, he notes. “We had the pine beetle, we had the wildfire, we have low prices. There’s significant reform that’s needed. And instead of focusing on that reform, we’re in kind of triage mode of responding to 46% tariffs. …In terms of forestry, Eby notes his government’s first priority in the sector is to provide stability, reassurance and support for families that have lost jobs, particularly with the closure of the Crofton mill. Workers will remain on site through early spring, Eby says, giving time to determine the next phase for what is considered a valuable industrial property.