British Columbia has unveiled a series of pointed new signs at its US border crossings, delivering a blunt message to Americans amid the escalating tariff dispute between Canada and the United States: the province has no intention of becoming part of America.
One of the new signs reads: “Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!”
The message is a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. British Columbia Premier David Eby unveiled the signs as tensions between the neighbouring countries continue to grow over Trump’s tariff policies and his comments about Canada’s future.
Another sign carries the words “Never 51st State”, alongside messages such as “Watch for Moose” and “Kindness ≠ Weakness.”
“This is a uniquely Canadian message,” Eby said while unveiling the signs. “It’s confident, good humour, and it’s unmistakably clear. British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale.”
Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming a US state since returning to the White House, a proposal firmly rejected by Canadian political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Border message comes amid trade tensions
The signs come as relations between Canada and the US remain strained by Trump’s tariff measures. Washington has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, while Ottawa has responded with counter-tariffs targeting selected American products.
Eby said British Columbia is also considering expanding its established Buy BC programme to cover a wider range of products beyond produce and beverages, as the province prepares for the possibility of a prolonged trade dispute.
“I don’t expect this to end quickly,” Eby said.
He noted that Canada and the US were currently not negotiating directly, adding that the situation had left Canadians hoping American voters would recognise the importance of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“Neither Canada nor the United States are at the table together. We’re not talking right now,” Eby said. “The only hope that we have is ultimately that the American people understand our relationship and support candidates that promote a strong, unified relationship between Canada and the US.”
“And currently, that is not this administration,” he added.
