B.C. premier reacts to Trump’s threats of 100 per cent tariffs on film industry

The latest tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about potential impacts on Hollywood North.

The film industry is the latest sector to come under fire from U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Monday continued with his threats of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on foreign-made films.

“They’re given financing by other countries,” he said, regarding the movies being produced outside of the U.S.

“They’re given a lot of things, and the industry was decimated,” he said.

B.C.’s film industry employs 70,000 people and generates more than $2 billion a year.

Premier David Eby spoke directly to film crews on Monday.

“Our province will stand with you, we are so proud of the work that you do, your international recognition for exceptional quality,” he said.

Opposition leader John Rustad didn’t hold back in his assessment of Trump’s latest tariff threat.

“When I saw that I thought ‘What an arrogant S.O.B.’, quite frankly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eby questioned how a tariff system on movies could even be implemented.

“Two versions of Netflix, one where you get just a handful of productions, the other where you pay $50 a month or $100 a month and you get to see what everyone else in the world gets to see?” Eby said.

Canadian cities, especially Vancouver and Toronto, attract major productions because of their versatile sets, experienced crews, and favourable tax climate, something Trump seems to be targeting.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said if the tariffs somehow go ahead, it would hurt both sides of the border.

“An incredibly negative impact to the whole industry, including the U.S. film industry and the workers there,” said Sim.

Vancouver Island South film commissioner Tara-Lee Novak urged calm, noting that it is still lights, camera, action among its members.

“This will be a day-by-day, hour-by-hour situation, but right now people are still filming. They’re still in pre-production, it’s business as usual,” said Novak.

It all comes the day before Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet Trump at the White House, with tariffs and sovereignty expected to dominate the conversation.

“I want the prime minister to be strong, I want him to stand up for our country. I want him to take no guff from the president,” said Eby.