British Columbia Premier David Eby held discussions with U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra on Tuesday afternoon. The ambassador emerged from the meeting upbeat, describing it positively.
Positive Outcome from Bilateral Talks
“I’m still smiling, so yeah,” Hoekstra remarked. “I think he is too, so that’s great.”
Eby addressed reporters beforehand, outlining key topics including softwood lumber disputes, maintaining stability in the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, and urging President Donald Trump and Congress to support permanent daylight saving time. He also anticipated raising British Columbia’s restrictions on U.S. liquor imports.
“I’m eternally hopeful that we’re able to find some sort of path forward with the President and with the United States,” Eby stated. “They’re our closest neighbours. We cannot replace that trading market, even as we try to diversify, and we will, to other countries. We need to have good relations with the Americans. And so my hope is that we are able to move some direction in that way.”
Range of Issues Covered
Hoekstra confirmed the conversation spanned expected bilateral matters. They touched on daylight saving time in a lighthearted manner.
“I don’t know how we can get all the states and the provinces all on one page,” Hoekstra added. “But it would be nice if it happened.”
The ambassador also noted discussions on U.S. alcohol products, calling them an “awesome product.”
