Photo: Courtesy of Henry Shifrin
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Governor Maura Healey hosted two Premiers of Atlantic Canada on Saturday to reiterate New England’s commitment as trading partners amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz visit to Massachusetts stressed the importance of maintaining seafood and energy trade relationships during the Seafood Expo of North America in Boston this weekend.
“I want continue to find ways to port trade between Canada and New England and Massachusetts specifically,” Governor Maura Healey told WBZ NewsRadio.
Premier Holt said in a press release that the tariffs would bring huge impact to the region’s economy and job market as 92% of their exports goes to the U.S.
“We need to keep our relationship with our neighbors strong and open,” Premier Holt wrote.
This historic meeting between Gov. Healey and the two Premiers emphasized the deeply rooted trade relationship between New England and Canada, contrasting the ongoing tension between the long-time allies.
“It’s okay to rip one another about hockey games but this kind of talk about a 51st state and tariffs, it’s nonsense,” Gov. Healey said. “It’s not a way to treat an ally, our largest trading partner. So I hope a common sense and a cooler head prevails there.”
President Trump said he would double down on imposed 25% Canadian tariffs on aluminum and steel, but reversed course shortly after. The reversal came after Canada paused their 25% U.S. tariff on electricity.
“We need that energy,” Gov. Healey added. “We don’t need a tax on it by way of Donald Trump’s tariffs.”
WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports.
