SURREY, B.C. -- B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark wants the federal government to ban the shipment of thermal coal through ports in British Columbia after the United States announced new tariffs on softwood lumber.

Clark says she has written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking Ottawa to act by stopping the export of the coal, including from the United States.

The former premier made the announcement at a paper products company in Surrey while campaigning for the May 9 provincial election, saying most of the "dirty" coal that is exported from the province comes from the U.S.

NDP Leader John Horgan was scheduled to campaign in Burnaby today on the soaring price of housing in Metro Vancouver.

The leaders of B.C.'s main three parties are taking part in a televised debate later today.