David Eby Urges Canada to Cancel F-35 Jet Deal

British Columbia Premier David Eby is urging the Canadian government to expand its retaliation against the United States by canceling a planned $12 billion purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. Eby also proposed imposing additional export tariffs or taxes on American thermal coal shipped through the Westshore terminal near Vancouver.

These proposals follow a trade escalation initiated by Donald Trump, who implemented 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports on August 23. Trump further announced that tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts, and steel will increase to 50% on January 1.

In response, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs on approximately $20 billion of U.S. imports, including electronics, dairy, fish, and steel, effective September 8. Eby argues that Canada should not purchase expensive military equipment from a partner currently engaged in a trade war.