For most Canadians, avoiding the United States during a trade dispute means skipping a cross border shopping trip. But for the 900 residents of Campobello Island, New Brunswick, it is not that simple. The island sits just off Lubec, Maine. It is cut off by road from the rest of Canada. The only bridge leads directly into the United States. This makes crossing the international border a mandatory part of everyday life.

Daily Life on the Border

You will not find a gas station on Campobello Island. Grocery options remain limited. This reality forces residents to cross the border for basic necessities. “It’s kind of unique,” says American fisherman Dana Barker, who has lived on the island with his Canadian wife for 50 years. “There’s not a gas station.”

One local student crosses the border every morning to attend high school in the United States. “Yeah, I cross the border almost every morning,” she told Global News. “And there aren’t a lot of grocery store options, so we have to do most of our shopping over in Maine.”

The Trade War Impact

The close relationship between the two communities makes recent political tensions hard to ignore. Residents recently faced a 25 percent tariff on United States goods brought across the border until Ottawa announced a special exemption for the island. The impact goes beyond groceries. Last month, United States border officials turned back a truckload of supplies. A Campobello brewery also shut down due to the tariffs.

“So decisions that are made in capitals far away have an impact immediately on Campobello,” says New Brunswick MP John Williamson.

A History of Friendship

The closeness between the two countries is woven into the island’s history. British loyalists fled to Campobello after the American Revolution. The United States relinquished its claim to the island following the War of 1812. Later, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s family spent summers at a home on the island. Today, Canada and the United States jointly own and operate the historic site.

“The park’s primary purpose and mission is the friendship, unity, and mutual respect that both nations have for each other,” says John Southern of Roosevelt Campobello International Park.

Residents on both sides want to maintain this bond. “There’s no reason to be causing bad blood among good neighbours,” says Lubec resident Nelson Meaker. “It’s just crazy.”

Barker agrees that the local ties remain stronger than any political dispute. “Oh yeah, we’re gonna work it out,” he says. “We’re too close. Except for hockey!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Campobello Island residents cross the border so often?

The island has no gas station and limited grocery options. The only bridge connects directly to Lubec, Maine, making border crossings essential for daily supplies.

How did the trade war affect the island?

Residents faced a 25 percent tariff on United States goods until Ottawa granted an exemption. The dispute also caused a local brewery to shut down and disrupted supply deliveries.

What is the historical connection between Campobello Island and the United States?

The island served as a summer retreat for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park is jointly operated by Canada and the United States as a symbol of friendship.