Eby tells government to cancel U.S. contracts — including magazine and software subscriptions — 'where viable'
Eby says Starlink has already been ruled out as possible internet provider
Subscriptions to U.S. magazines and newspapers are on the chopping block as British Columbia's government looks to reduce its dependence on American companies.
The announcement was made by Premier David Eby Thursday as part of a range of measures aimed at cutting all possible U.S. contracts held by the provincial government, including its ministries, health authorities and Crown corporations.
Eby has ordered a review of all contracts with the goal of eliminating any non-essential purchases of American goods or contracts with American companies, "where viable."
"We've gotta be prepared to stand on our own two feet," he told reporters, saying B.C. cannot be subject to the whims of U.S. President Donald Trump.
He told reporters that his government had already made the decision not to pursue a contract with Starlink, owned by Trump ally Elon Musk, to provide rural internet service in the province.
Eby said the president has taken direct aim at British Columbia by increasing levies on softwood lumber, a major driver of the provincial economy, at the same time as other countries have been granted a partial pause on tariffs.
"Where's our 90-day pause?" Eby asked. "The unique and special, derogatory, insulting and targeting treatment from the president is inexcusable."
His directive also says government should pause participation in U.S. industry associations, cancel subscriptions to American publications and non-essential software, and avoid non-essential travel to the United States.
Eby says it will be up to each government body to decide when it's viable to make a change, but the expectation is to substitute Canadian products and services at equivalent cost wherever possible.
He said in some cases a change may not be appropriate due to the additional costs associated, comparing the choice to a Canadian family trying to buy local groceries but still remaining on budget.
"We're not going to incur dramatic additional costs in order to achieve this," he said.
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With files from The Canadian Press