Skeena MLA Claire Rattée is warning British Columbians that Bill 7, introduced by the BC NDP, is not the trade protection measure it claims to be, but rather an unprecedented expansion of government power.
Introduced on February 21, Bill 7, the International Trade and Investment Act, is being framed as a response to tariffs and trade barriers. However, critics argue it grants sweeping authority to override laws, bypass the legislature, and impose new regulations—even for anticipated risks. The bill also allows the government to collect and share personal data without clear safeguards.
Rattée points out that no other Canadian government has taken this approach and that a better alternative already exists. BC Conservative leader John Rustad previously introduced a targeted interprovincial trade bill modeled after Nova Scotia’s, which Premier David Eby ignored.
The bill comes amid rising tensions with Alaska over BC’s new tax on trucks traveling to the state, which has put the province’s cruise industry at risk. With concerns about government overreach and economic fallout growing, Rattée is urging British Columbians to speak out and tell their MLAs to reject Bill 7.
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