The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, has urged Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, to cancel plans to buy up to 88 American-made F-35 fighter jets in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. Eby criticized the purchase as illogical, comparing it to buying $12 billion in jets from a country that has imposed hostile trade measures. His comments reflect growing Canadian anger over U.S. economic policies under President Trump, which have strained bilateral relations.

The F-35 purchase, already under review by Carney’s government, has become politicized amid rising tensions, including threats to Canadian sovereignty and Arctic security concerns. While the Royal Canadian Air Force maintains the F-35 is essential to counter advanced threats from Russia and China, critics like Wesley Wark of the Balsillie School of International Affairs argue Canada should reconsider. The Saab Gripen from Sweden has emerged as a cheaper, simpler alternative, though it lacks the F-35’s stealth and long-range sensors.

The debate underscores a broader push to reduce reliance on American weapons, which Carney has said constitute 70% of Canada’s arms spending.