Canadian Premiers and US Governors Urge Trump to Strike Tariff Deal with Canada

Strategic Insights -

Canadian premiers and American governors are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump to strike a deal that eases US tariffs on Canadian imports and ends the American leader's threats to annex Canada, which has damaged the US tourism industry and supply chains. The call was made at a Monday meeting in Boston between Eastern Canadian premiers and state governors from the US northeast. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the Prime Minister and the President met one-on-one at the G7 summit earlier in the day, and agreed to pursue negotiations toward a new deal within 30 days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian premiers and US governors are urging Trump to strike a deal that eases US tariffs on Canadian imports, which have damaged the US tourism industry and supply chains.
  • The US governors involved are Democrats, except Vermont's Phil Scott, who is a Republican.
  • 50% of Vermont's energy comes from Canada, including 25% from Hydro Quebec, and 100% of the natural gas and 80% of fuel also comes from Canada.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that Trump's tariffs, if fully rolled out as previously threatened, could cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs.
  • Maine's Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, stated that tourism in her state fell 26% between February and April this year due to Trump's annexation threats.
  • Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston emphasized that state and provincial leaders must concentrate on the things they can control, which do not include the US President's annexation statements.

Statistics:

  • 20-60% decline in Canadian visits to the US region, with 45% decline in Vermont and New York City (estimated by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey).
  • 26% decline in tourism in Maine between February and April this year (stated by Maine's Democratic Governor, Janet Mills).
  • 100% of the natural gas and 80% of fuel in Vermont come from Canada (stated by Vermont's Phil Scott).
  • 50% of Vermont's energy comes from Canada, including 25% from Hydro Quebec (stated by Vermont's Phil Scott).

Sources:

  • Globe and Mail: "Canadian premiers and US governors urge Trump to strike tariff deal with Canada"
  • Globe and Mail: "Ontario's Doug Ford on meeting with Trump: 'it was a positive sign'"
  • Globe and Mail: "US governors warn of job losses from Trump's tariffs on Canada"
  • Globe and Mail: "Maine governor says tourism fell 26% due to Trump's annexation threats"