Peace River North MLA calls for ‘focus on British Columbians’ amid tariff vote backlash

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy has called for politicians to prioritize British Columbians over a trade war amid backlash over a controversial vote. 

Following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to increase tariffs on Canadian goods, the NDP put forth a motion on February 24th requesting MLAs vote for a plan labeling the U.S. tariffs as unjustified and proposing retaliatory measures to deter future tariff increases.

Only five politicians voted against the motion, one of whom was Conservative Party member and Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy. 

As reported by CBC, Ravi Kahlon, the NDP’s cabinet minister in charge of the government’s tariff response, claimed the vote shows the Conservatives’ tariff position keeps changing. 

However, in his February 24th speech, Kealy said: “We need to focus on the wellbeing of British Columbians, and not compare which leader has the biggest stick.”

In an interview with Energeticcity.ca, Kealy referred to the motion as “a double-edged sword.” 

“If the NDP [wants] to go ‘ra ra go team Canada,’ but it involves putting forward tariffs that are going to destroy Canadians, I don’t agree with that,” Kealy said. 

“When I looked at the motion, and the way it was worded, I was basing my decision on what would do the most damage to the people.”

In the legislature, Kealy explained economic war would only hurt British Columbians, and stated he did not agree with “most” of the motion. 

“Our job as politicians is to avoid at all costs engaging in tariff trade war, especially against an ally that we rely heavily on,” Kealy said. 

“I don’t mind a good fight, and I think our hockey team did a great job, but economically the only outcome of this scenario is the taxpayers paying the ultimate price.”

After the session, Kealy took to social media to address his constituents and answer their questions. 

“I always try and take my constituents seriously, first and foremost,” Kealy told Energeticcity.ca.

“If they’ve got concerns, I try and take the time to respond to them and let them know what’s going on.”

The politician expressed his desire to improve the province for his constituents and making the “resource industry flourish.” 

As part of the Legislative Assembly, Kealy said: “I became a politician to best serve my region, and I’m not here to play games and waste time. My constituents need help, and they need it now.”