News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Susan Holt welcomed news that the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods have been paused for 30 days, but said New Brunswick must remain vigilant.

“I am glad our countries could work together, as we have for decades, to negotiate this reprieve, and I hope we can continue to make progress together over the coming weeks,” said Holt. “However, we remain ready with our tariff response plan. For now, U.S. products will remain on NB Liquor shelves, but we will not be purchasing new product until the issue around tariffs is resolved.”

The provincial government will also:

• Sign no new contracts with U.S. companies in the next 30 days.

• Review procurement protocols to determine if replacements can be found for U.S. companies currently being used by the provincial government.

• Have Opportunities NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour finalize, in line with federal support, programs to support workers and entrepreneurs.

• Review internal trade barriers to strengthen the Canadian economy, in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial governments, to better harmonize trade across the country.

• Work with other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items that are traditionally exported to the U.S., including seafood and lumber.

• Continue seeking other measures New Brunswick can take to protect its workers and economy.

“The tariffs were a wake-up call for all of us about the importance of building up our economy and buying Canadian,” said Holt. “As we move forward, we must diversify and find new markets for the exceptional goods we produce in our province and across the country.”

Holt and representatives from New Brunswick’s business community will travel to Washington next week to advocate for New Brunswick workers and businesses, and to seek a permanent removal of the tariffs.