SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke in a statement on Sunday called on Premier David Eby “to immediately cut the gas tax, suspend PST on B.C.-made goods and review all other provincial relief measures to address the economic pressures from incoming U.S. tariffs.”
Locke said: “These tariffs will have devastating impacts on families and businesses across Surrey and B.C. and immediate relief is essential. A gas tax cut will help alleviate the crushing financial burden on our businesses and residents, ensuring that families can continue to thrive in our community.
“I note Mr. Eby’s recent statements condemning these tariffs as a “complete betrayal” and taking swift steps—such as halting select American liquor imports—to underscore British Columbia’s resolve. I also recognize the Premier’s concerns regarding our longstanding softwood lumber dispute, where entire communities depend on a stable forestry sector. I thank Mr. Eby for his efforts so far to safeguard the economic interests of British Columbia and working diligently in the provincial interest, in collaboration with our federal government.
“However, British Columbia is home to some of the highest taxes in Canada, which places a significant burden on our residents. That is why this morning, I have written Mr. Eby, urging him to implement tax cuts and a comprehensive relief package, similar to that introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support businesses and families affected by the tariffs for the citizens of Surrey and all British Columbians.
“The introduction of these tariffs will disrupt vital supply chains, impact tens of thousands of jobs, and put hundreds of local jobs at risk, particularly in manufacturing and value-added sectors. Surrey is especially vulnerable, given that we host the largest border crossings in Western Canada. Our data reveals that over 20% of Surrey businesses have direct trade ties with the United States, representing roughly $2.8 billion in cross-border commerce annually.
“As part of the Border Mayors Alliance, I believe that Border Cities will be hit first and hardest, but the reality is that the impact of these tariffs will be crushing for every Canadian community. To that end, I will be working with other B.C. cities to support our residents and promote a “Canada First” initiative – prioritizing Canadian products and businesses. We are working together to combat the impact of these punitive tariffs. By combining our expertise and resources, I believe we can develop and implement more effective initiatives that benefit our community.
“I am actively reaching out to critical stakeholders in Surrey, including the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Board of Trade, and BC Trucking Association. Rest assured, the City of Surrey will be closely monitoring every development and evaluating the performance of impacted sectors, focusing on export volume shifts, job statistics, and more.
“We understand the significant ramifications these tariffs would inflict—not just on our businesses and supply chains but on countless families who depend on those jobs for their livelihoods. I look forward to working collaboratively with the provincial and federal governments on a coordinated response that will stabilize our economy and support our communities. The future of our economy, businesses, and families hangs in the balance.”
