B.C. premier says he had 'frank discussion' with U.S. ambassador to Canada

B.C. Premier David Eby said he had a productive meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, which included a "frank discussion" on U.S.-Canada relations amid ongoing tensions over tariffs.

Hoekstra would not share much of what was discussed in the 45-minute Tuesday afternoon meeting. But as he walked away from the grounds of the B.C. Legislature, he said he thought Eby was "great" and that he had visited Victoria before, calling it an "awesome town."

"The president and the prime minister talked on Sunday, they may talk again this week. I think any updates should come from the prime minister or the president," he said.

"We covered lots of topics and we’re both smiling. It was a good meeting."

The meeting came as Canada and the U.S. are in the midst of negotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico-Agreement, also known as CUSMA, which Canada hopes will help ease tariffs on key industries, including softwood lumber.

Eby released a statement, calling the meeting "productive" and thanked the ambassador for his visit.

"While Ambassador Hoekstra and I did not agree on everything, we both expressed our hopes for a positive outcome to trade negotiations between our two countries," the statement said.

"While Canada’s sovereignty is not up for discussion, I will always look for ways to improve our trade relationships for the benefit of workers and businesses in B.C."

Eby said their meeting included a "frank discussion" about the dispute over U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber, money laundering and transnational crime, B.C.'s ban on American alcohol, and CUSMA negotiations.

He also asked for President Donald Trump and Congress to allow states on the Pacific coast to join B.C. in permanent daylight saving time.

Prior to the meeting, Eby said he was "eternally hopeful" that Canada could move back toward a good relationship with its closest neighbour. However, he noted the impact of tariffs on the softwood lumber industry and Trump’s comments about annexing Canada.

"We cannot replace that trading market, even as we try to diversify – and we will – to other countries," he said.

"Hopefully we're able to make some progress on this, but I'm sure that both of us recognize some of the challenges in our relationship right now."

In the review of CUSMA that is underway, Canada is expected to push for the removal of tariffs targeting key sectors, including Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles, softwood lumber, copper products and more.