During a press conference on Tuesday, British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized that President Donald Trump has no authority over Canada. Eby introduced a series of playful new signs that will be installed at border crossings with the Pacific Northwest in his province.
This announcement came in the context of a rising trade conflict initiated by Trump, who has previously suggested the idea of annexing or purchasing Canada as the 51st state. After the two nations failed to reach a trade agreement last month, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian products. In response, Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs that took effect on Tuesday.
Reading from one of the new signs, Eby declared, “Welcome to B.C., Canada. Strong, proud and never the 51st state. Sorry!” Eby said, reading the sign at its unveiling. He noted the message as distinctly Canadian, characterized by confidence and humor, making it clear that British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale.
The sign was prominently displayed onstage, with the words “British Columbia” spelled out clearly and “NEVER” emphasized in capital letters. Other signs revealed included amusing warnings like “Watch for Moose” and straightforward statements such as “Kindness ≠Weakness.”
In his address in Victoria, Eby acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “The road ahead is not easy.” He pointed out that as new opportunities are pursued, the trade war launched by Trump will inevitably cause job losses and business closures on both sides of the border.
He urged, “And that’s why today … we’re all asking British Columbians, my colleagues and I, to do what we always do in moments when our neighbors are in distress: We have to look out for one another. We have to buy Canadian whenever we can.”
Trump, in the lead-up to his 2024 reelection campaign, promised to enhance the U.S. economy. He claimed that his wide-ranging international tariffs would rejuvenate American manufacturing. However, U.S. prices have largely increased, partly due to his unpopular and costly conflict with Iran.
Left: Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images; Right: Alex Brandon/Associated Press
The unveiling event coincided with the unauthorized placement of a wooden plaque in Victoria, labeled “Donald J. Trump Memorial,” above a restroom at a popular hiking spot. The city reportedly removed the sign on Sunday evening after discovering the prank.
This joke seemed fitting, as Trump’s approval ratings have metaphorically gone “down the toilet,” and he has a well-known habit of affixing his name to various landmarks. Trump also recently announced he would rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
The president further posted an AI-generated image Sunday depicting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the ground during a hockey game with Trump — and a map of the North American continent on Monday painting Canada as part of the U.S.
“All I can say is that the president is clearly unhinged,” Eby remarked. “Those memes are bizarre.”
He further commented, “They are not benefiting the leader of the world’s largest economy, the world’s largest army … and it also tells me that as Canadians, if we want to have predictability, if we want to have stability, we need to have a diversified trade relationship around the world. We need to be our own best customers, and that is what today’s message is all about.”
