‘We can all take a breath’: Atlantic premiers respond to delay in U.S. tariffs

Atlantic Canada’s premiers are reacting to the news that proposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump have been delayed for 30 days.

Trump had ordered 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, with the exception of energy, which would be subject to a 10 per cent tariff. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced counter tariffs on $30 billion in American goods, primed to rise to $155 billion later this month.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the province’s retaliatory measures will not take effect because of the pause.

“For now, we can all take a breath,” he said in a statement Monday night.

“We are relieved there will be a pause on tariffs imposed on Canada. President Trump’s tax would have had a very real, immediate negative impact, and I appreciate the dozens of Nova Scotians who shared their personal stories and concerns with me over the last few days.”

Houston said the threat of tariffs remains and the province will be ready to respond, if needed.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said the tariff pause was “good news.”

“We remain ready with our tariff response plan. For now, American products will remain on ANBL shelves but we will not be purchasing new product,” she wrote in a post on social media.

Holt added in a Tuesday news release that 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,” Holt said in the release.

“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 is scheduled to be in Washington, D.C., next week as part of a provincial delegation arguing for a tariff resolution.

Prince Edward Island

Premier Dennis King said P.E.I. will also pause the planned removal of U.S. liquor products from store shelves.

“This decision creates space for further discussions to find a resolution that protects jobs, businesses, and industries in Prince Edward Island and across Canada,” he said in a statement early Tuesday morning.

“We welcome continued dialogue with all partners and remain committed to standing up for Island businesses, workers, and exporters. Prince Edward Island has long valued positive cross-border relationships, and I am hopeful this pause will allow us to find a fair and stable path forward,” he added.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey called the threatened tariffs “unfair and illegal.”

“I know we all look forward to hearing these taxes will not be put in place,” he wrote in a post on X.

“As the threats from our neighbour remain very real, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to stand strong with our fellow Canadians, and be prepared for what might come.”

The province also announced a new initiative Tuesday to highlight the importance of buying local products.

Furey unveiled the “Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador” campaign at Urban Market 1919 in St. John’s.

The province says residents will see messages and promo materials supporting local manufacturers and retailers beginning this week.

“There is no better feeling than surrounding yourself with products that are made right here in Newfoundland and Labrador or within Canada,” Furey said in a provincial news release.

“I am extremely proud of the abundance of outstanding, innovative, and creative businesses across various industries and trades in our province. The time is now, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and support one another. Let’s bring the heart of our communities into our home.”