Eastern premiers look to U.S. governors as allies in Trump trade war
Five Canadian premiers, including Ontario’s Doug Ford, are currently in Boston at the invitation of some northeastern U.S. governors to work together against Donald Trump’s tariffs. The premiers joining Ford are Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, Susan Holt of New Brunswick, Rob Lantz of P.E.I., and John Hogan of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are scheduled for a day of meetings at the Massachusetts State House with the governors of seven states or their representatives. The composition of the attending governors, with only one Republican, Vermont’s Phil Scott, raises questions about the potential impact of the gathering on Trump’s tariff policies.
The discussions between the governors and premiers will focus on the effects of Trump’s tariffs and explore ways in which U.S. and Canadian leaders can collaborate to maintain economic relations that benefit local businesses and residents. The closed-door talks will concentrate on opportunities for cooperation in energy, trade, tourism, and manufacturing, with a portion of the discussions open to the media for transparency.
Premier Ford’s spokesperson, Hannah Jensen, outlined Ford’s vision of creating a strategic alliance known as “Fortress Am-Can,” aiming to make Canada and the U.S. the wealthiest, most prosperous, safest, and secure countries globally. While Premier Houston acknowledges that the event may not sway Trump’s stance on tariffs, he emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with U.S. governors and citizens.
Premier Holt, on the other hand, remains optimistic about the potential outcomes of the meeting, aiming to encourage governors to convey the negative impacts of tariffs on both American and Canadian businesses. The goal is to influence key individuals who can persuade the president to reconsider the tariffs on Canadian imports. Holt emphasizes the importance of building and managing trade partnerships to support local economies while seeking additional allies in the fight against tariffs.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of tariffs on her state’s economy, highlighting the impact on tourism, agriculture, construction, and breweries. She emphasized the need to repair any strained relationships caused by the tariffs and conveyed her state’s support for Canadian businesses.
The meeting in Boston, hosted by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, aims to strengthen relationships between Canadian premiers and U.S. governors, recognizing the shared economic interests at stake. The collaboration between governors from various political backgrounds underscores the mutual understanding that tariffs are detrimental to both countries’ economies. The involvement of bipartisan support from U.S. governors aligns with Canada’s efforts to advocate against harmful tariff policies.
Overall, the premiers’ visit to Boston signifies a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by Trump’s tariffs and seek common ground with U.S. governors to mitigate the negative impacts on both nations’ economies. The discussions held during the meeting will be crucial in fostering cooperation and building alliances to counter the adverse effects of protectionist trade policies.
