David Eby walks back key portion of proposed B.C. tariff response legislation following backlash [Video]

Premier David Eby has walked back a key portion of the NDP’s tariff response bill following a backlash over concerns that the proposed legislation would give the government the power to bypass the legislature.

“I didn’t get the balance right in terms of the ability to move quickly and necessary safeguards,” Eby said during a news conference in Vancouver on Friday. “The level of anxiety and concerns I was hearing from key stakeholders … it was pretty clear we needed to have another look at this.”

Eby says the government will remove Part 4 of the Economic Stabilization Tariff Response Act, the section that would give the cabinet the power to bypass the legislature and implement regulations in response to the “actions of a foreign jurisdiction” or any measure that supports the economy.