With the deadline for a 50% tariff from the U.S. approaching, many businesses in British Columbia are deeply concerned about the potential negative effects on their profits.

“It poses a significant threat to our existence,” said Blaine Maryniuk, who is the co-founder of West Coast Walls.

Maryniuk’s company produces wallpaper, stickers, and decals, and between 25 to 50 percent of their monthly sales are to the United States.

“I worry about this situation every single day,” he added.

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These concerns come as the deadline for tariffs on Wednesday approaches, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to suggest that negotiations with the U.S. have become “sensitive” and “intense.”

Escalation of Tariff Negotiations

Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief trade negotiator Janice Charette have engaged in a series of discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over the past three weeks. Their aim is not only to prevent the proposed Section 338 tariffs but also to reduce the existing Section 232 tariffs on industrial goods such as steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber in exchange for concessions from Canada.

The U.S. justifies these tariffs by citing Canadian discrimination against its automobile, dairy, and alcohol industries.

One of their demands includes restoring U.S. liquor sales in provincially operated stores.

Threat to Wood Product Levies

The latest proposed levies, particularly targeting wood products, are a major concern for British Columbia, making the region especially vulnerable.

“There are businesses that may need to resort to layoffs – their survival is uncertain,” said Kelly Marciniw, a board member of the B.C. Log & Timber Building Industry Association. “The additional paperwork, tracking, and the overall uncertainty add