David Eby Addresses Alaskan Senator’s Threat to Redirect Cruise Ships Away from B.C. Ports

B.C. Premier David Eby is standing firm against threats from Alaskan Senator Dan Sullivan, who suggested that U.S. cruise ships might bypass British Columbia ports in retaliation for potential new fees imposed on U.S. commercial trucks heading to Alaska. This comes in the wake of a bill introduced by Eby that gives the provincial government the authority to charge those fees as a countermeasure to U.S. tariffs.

Eby acknowledged the potential consequences for Alaska, expressing hope that the state’s elected officials would communicate with U.S. President Donald Trump about their concerns. He emphasized that while B.C. does not aim to impose truck fees lightly, it is important to highlight the interconnectedness of their economies.

Sullivan had described the Canadian government’s response to U.S. tariffs as "a bit of a dangerous game," arguing that taking action to allow cruise ships to bypass B.C. would greatly benefit Alaska’s economy while costing B.C. significantly in tourism revenue.

The debate centers around U.S. laws that typically prevent foreign-flagged vessels from traveling directly between two U.S. ports. There have been exceptions in the past, notably when cruise ships were allowed to sail directly between U.S. ports during the pandemic when Canada banned such traffic.

Eby reiterated that the relationship between Alaska and B.C. is strong and that he did not wish to escalate tensions, stating, "We don’t want to use this tool. We like Alaskans. We think they’re great. We like Americans. We think they’re great. They’ve just got a lousy president."

Eby’s graphic expression of sentiment reflects the broader theme of interdependence amid escalating tariffs and trade concerns. He hopes to avoid a trade war, noting that such disputes ultimately hurt everyone involved.

For more details, you can find the background on the legislative measures and the ongoing trade relationship between B.C. and Alaska.

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