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Chilliwack's Conservative MLAs focus on fentanyl as reason for Trump tariffs

MLAs Heather Maahs and Á'a:líya Warbus react to premier's response to tariffs
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Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs (left) and Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á'a:líya Warbus.

Chilliwack's two Conservative MLAs have spoken out against the provincial response to possible tariffs by the Trump administration. 

Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs and Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á'a:líya Warbus both used social media to weigh in on the topic, pointing toward the need to better control the borders to keep fentanyl out of the United States. President Donald Trump has stated that the flow of drugs from Canada to the United States is one of the reasons for a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. 

Maahs said on X (formerly Twitter) on Feb. 2 that "Eby needs to comply. For the greater good." 

When asked by an X user what she meant by 'comply,' Maahs answered: "Secure the borders. Prevent the flow of fentynol (sic). Eby should have been on this a long time ago," with the hashtag #FightForBC. 

In a post on X, Warbus said "In case any Canadian had doubts, tariffs are about stopping the flood of fentanyl into the 🇺🇸(United States) from (Canada), regardless of underlying tactics at play, we must deliver on securing our borders, for our citizens! Stopping fentanyl flow (into Canada) 🇨🇦should have already been done for our safety." 

Warbus also posted about the need to secure the borders, which is a part of a 10-point plan suggested in a letter to Premier David Eby by the B.C. Conservative's leader John Rustad. That letter was issued on Sunday. 

Warbus shared the plan on her social media, saying in part: "The BC NDP's plan to ban Kentucky bourbon isn't going to do anything for BC. British Columbians need a serious plan." 

The B.C. Conservative plan includes immediately negotiating a Canada-wide free trade agreement to remove inter-provincial barriers, immediately calling back the legislature to implement a fiscal emergency bill, and immediately eliminating the carbon tax to reduce costs for consumers and businesses. 

It also lists eliminating the CO2 emissions caps, and approve 17 mining projects in B.C. and to work with LNG Canada to immediately advance phase 2 of their Kitimat LNG project.

Warbus also used her social media to urge people to buy Canadian-made products and support local businesses. She gave a shout out to a local coffee shop as an example.  

The tariffs were expected to go into effect on Feb. 4, but on Feb. 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the a 30-day pause would be in place while the two countries "work together." 

The Progress has reached out to both MLAs for further comment. 
 



Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I am proud to be the editor of the Chilliwack Progress. When not at work, I'm busy hiking our local mountains and travelling around the province.
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