Maine Governor Janet Mills has a clear message for New Brunswickers. Her state wants no part in the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada.

In a recent interview with CBC News, Mills called the trade dispute irrational. She stressed that residents of Maine want the economic conflict to end.

Shared Borders and Economies

Maine and New Brunswick share deep family and cultural ties. The current tariffs drive up the cost of goods across Maine and damage local industries. Mills understands the anger you feel toward the administration in Washington. She shares that frustration because the economic pain goes both ways.

“This war that the president has waged, is waging on Canada, is not our war,” Mills said. “It’s not Maine’s war with New Brunswick or Quebec or any part of Canada.”

Protecting the Lobster Industry

The interconnected nature of the Maine and New Brunswick economies makes tariffs especially dangerous for local workers. Canada recently removed seafood from its list of retaliatory tariffs. Mills expressed gratitude for this decision.

Tariffs on lobster cause severe damage to the Maine economy. By dropping these specific retaliatory measures, both regions protect a vital shared industry.

Tourism and Border Travel

Many Canadians chose to boycott travel to the United States over the past year. Mills heard these concerns directly during her visits to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. She wants you to know that Maine welcomes Canadian visitors and products.

“We miss you guys,” Mills said. “We miss you at Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport and Ogunquit and Bar Harbor and all up and down the coast.”

While New Brunswick resumed selling its existing stock of American alcohol, other provinces like Ontario maintain their bans. This impacts states friendly to Canada, though Maine avoids the brunt of the bourbon boycott.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Maine governor opposing the United States trade war?

Governor Janet Mills opposes the trade war because tariffs increase costs for Maine residents and damage industries that rely on border trade with New Brunswick.

How does the trade war affect the local lobster industry?

The Maine and New Brunswick lobster industries are highly interconnected. Canada removed seafood from its retaliatory tariff list, which protects workers in both regions from severe economic losses.

Are Canadians still traveling to Maine?

Tourism from Canada remains down in Maine following calls for travel boycotts. Governor Mills installed welcome signs at the border to encourage New Brunswickers to return to popular coastal destinations.