B.C. premier-designate Doerkson doesn’t see quick end to trade war post U.S. midterms

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s incoming premier says he doesn’t see a quick end to the trade war with the United States despite significant election losses by Republicans under President Donald Trump.

Lorne Doerkson made the comments Wednesday after the midterm election gave Democrats control of both U.S. houses of Congress after midterm elections on Tuesday.

Doerkson says his focus now is on preparing to assume government on Nov. 20.

He says the goal is to protect local industries against American tariffs and strengthen B.C. partnerships with anybody who wants to continue to do business with the province.

The premier-designate says until the trade war is resolved, American liquor will stay off the shelves of B.C. liquor stores.

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Doerkson on winning the Oct. 24 election that saw the Conservatives defeat David Eby’s NDP, but Doerkson says he doesn’t give any thoughts to what Trump says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press