U.S. tariff threat adds urgency for B.C.’s energy independence, minister says [Video]

British Columbia Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the looming threat of American tariffs raises the stakes for boosting the province’s energy independence.

Dix says there was urgency before the U.S. election last November, but “there’s more now” as American President Donald Trump threatens to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.

The minister was speaking at a news conference in Vancouver, where he announced the signing of an agreement between the Saulteau First Nations and B.C. Hydro to supply electricity from a 200-megawatt wind project in northeastern B.C.

Saulteau First Nations holds a 51 per cent economic interest in the Taylor Wind project, which is expected to produce enough electricity to power about 60,000 homes.

Taylor Wind is one of 10 clean-energy projects selected to advance from B.C. Hydro’s call for power last year, and Dix says it’s a “good step” in B.C.’s quest to become a world leader …