Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham is currently in Norway attending the Offshore Northern Seas oil and gas conference. He is also actively involved in coordinating a provincial response to the Canada-U.S. trade war from overseas.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Wakeham acknowledged the negative impact of tariffs on businesses, consumers, and supply chains in Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite the province facing relatively less direct impact, it remains vulnerable to the consequences of the trade dispute.
As Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs against the United States, Wakeham commended Prime Minister Mark Carney for his leadership and emphasized the provincial government’s alignment with federal actions. The focus is on safeguarding economic interests and promoting a stable trading relationship with the U.S.
Specifically addressing the province’s response, Wakeham emphasized the importance of closely monitoring trade impacts in collaboration with key industry partners driving Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Notably, Wakeham has engaged with organizations such as Mining Industry N.L. and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour to assess the situation.
The Government of Canada has implemented counter tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods since September 8. Concurrently, $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses has been announced. The premier highlighted the need for ambitious and targeted response programs to protect jobs and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In a separate development, opposition leaders are urging the government to revive the “premier’s roundtable” on tariffs, initially established under former premier Andrew Furey. The roundtable included representatives from various sectors, and NDP Leader Jim Dinn stressed the importance of inclusive consultations to address the trade war’s local impact effectively.
Small business owners, represented by the Canadian Federation for Independent Business, have expressed concerns regarding federal response programs related to tariffs. Director Jonathan Galgay emphasized the need for clarity on criteria and accessibility of support programs for smaller businesses. Despite initial challenges, previous regional response programs have provided significant support to organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Wakeham has proactively reached out to stakeholders for input on the trade war impacts and is preparing for collaborative discussions. The provincial government’s efforts to engage with partners and understand the implications of the ongoing trade dispute have been appreciated by industry representatives.
Overall, the province is actively navigating the complexities of the Canada-U.S. trade war and seeking to protect its economic interests through coordinated efforts with federal counterparts and industry stakeholders.