B.C. trucking association opposes tolling American vehicles, says retaliation could follow [Video]

The B.C. Trucking Association says it does not support legislation tabled by the B.C. government that would give the province power to apply fees to U.S. commercial traffic traveling to and from Alaska.

On Thursday, the province passed first reading of its sweeping Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, which Premier David Eby has characterized as “enabling legislation” — giving the government the power to respond to economic threats from the United States as they arise.

Included in the bill is a section allowing tolls, fees or charges to be applied to both road traffic and to ferries traveling along the coast.

That power, said association president Dave Earle, is one many of his members are worried about.

“The free movement of goods throughout North America is the core of our business,” he told CBC Radio Westhost Sarah Penton. “Anything that puts that at risk, be it a barrier, time, fee, tax, whatever … that’s always …