British Columbia Unveils New Border Signs Amid Trade Tensions with the U.S.

<figure><img alt="david eby" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/HFQY5TWAZVGWJBWIZF6BSDS7NA.JPG?auth=cb0fee2ffcc623d9583c4edc5e24ba9c838f15e930529c90899e9e282eb7b602&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4902&amp;height=2757" /><figcaption>Jennifer Gauthier / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>On September 8, 2026, David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, introduced new signs at border crossings in the Pacific Northwest, reinforcing the province's status as part of Canada. The signs include the message, "Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!"</p><p>British Columbia shares borders with Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Eby emphasized the message's significance during a press conference in Victoria, stating, "This is a uniquely Canadian message. It’s confident, good humor, and it’s unmistakably clear. British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale."</p><p>Another sign displayed the phrase “Never 51st State” alongside warnings such as “Watch for Moose” and “Kindness ≠ Weakness.”</p><p>The unveiling of these signs coincided with the implementation of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., which were initiated in response to trade tensions stemming from the Trump administration's policies. Eby remarked on the economic implications, stating, "People will lose their jobs and businesses will close on both sides of the border. We have to look out for one another. We have to buy Canadian whenever we can."</p><p>Last month, Canada and the U.S. failed to reach an agreement regarding tariffs, leading to Canada imposing counter-tariffs on American goods. The U.S. had planned to levy 50 percent tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian products.</p><p>Former President Trump has made various comments regarding Canada, including threats to annex the country and derogatory remarks about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Recently, he shared an AI-generated image on social media depicting himself in a confrontational stance over Carney during a hockey game.</p><p>Trump also targeted Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, stating that the company could no longer sell in the U.S. unless it relocated its manufacturing operations. Eby described Trump’s behavior as “clearly unhinged” and noted that the trade war was detrimental to families on both sides of the border.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/canada-trolls-trumps-annexation-threats-with-new-signs-at-its-borders/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>