BC Premier’s Trade Mission to China

In late June 2026, British Columbia Premier David Eby embarked on his first‑ever trade mission to China. The trip was designed to showcase the province’s core industries—forestry, seafood and a massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Kitimat—and to deepen ties with China, BC’s second‑largest trading partner. Eby emphasized that widening trade relationships beyond the United States is essential for reaching the province’s goal of doubling international trade over the next decade.

During the mission, Eby received briefings from the RCMP and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to ensure security and maximize opportunities. Although the full itinerary remained undisclosed to protect competitive advantage, a key objective was a meeting with PetroChina to discuss the second phase of the Kitimat LNG expansion, with a final investment decision expected later in the year. Eby also highlighted the pressure U.S. tariffs are placing on BC’s forestry sector and expressed hopes that Chinese tariffs on seafood could be lifted.

While in China, Eby’s schedule was adjusted when the federal government asked him to return early in July for a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU is set to accelerate major infrastructure projects, including the Massey Tunnel and the North Coast Transmission Line, and to formalize federal participation in these initiatives. Eby noted that the federal focus is specifically on BC projects and that the anticipated announcement would create economic opportunities across the province, distinct from similar agreements in Alberta.

The early return underscores the importance of aligning provincial ambitions with federal support. By balancing the pursuit of new Chinese market opportunities with the need for federal collaboration on critical infrastructure, Eby aims to deliver tangible benefits to British Columbia’s economy and its workers.