B.C. Premier David Eby says new signs at American border crossings will make it clear that Canada will never become the 51st state.

The signs include messages such as “Strong, proud and will NEVER be the 51st state” and “Kindness does not equal weakness.”

Another features metric conversion information, a moose warning and a crossed out 51st state symbol.

Eby unveiled the signs Tuesday as Canadian counter-tariffs took effect in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent levies on a wide range of Canadian goods.

The premier also criticized recent videos posted by Trump, including one depicting him as a hockey player beating up Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Eby called the videos bizarre and disturbing, saying they are not befitting the leader of the world’s largest economy.

He says the province is preparing for a prolonged trade dispute with the United States, but its financial ability to help affected businesses is limited.

Eby says the government will advise Ottawa on support for hard-hit sectors, including forestry, while looking to strengthen the Buy BC program to help consumers identify and purchase locally made products.