B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson on Thursday called the imposition of U.S tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel as “completely illegal” and urged Canadians to unite to fight against it.

He said: “President Donald Trump’s latest punitive trade measures are a direct threat to B.C.’s economy and thousands of good-paying jobs.”

Wilkinson said: “As we make our case, we need to work together. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister, Premier, industry leaders and unions to present a united front, and make sure President Trump knows he can’t divide and conquer.

“This dispute highlights why BC Liberal governments worked for 16 years to diversify our export markets, and reduce our vulnerability to a single major trading partner, and why it’s more urgent than ever to continue that work.

“I look forward to visiting Rio Tinto in Kitimat next week to show support for B.C.’s steel industry and steelworkers, and let them know we have their backs.”