Eastern Canadian premiers want you to buy local as Canada faces an escalating trade war with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian exports on Saturday. In response, leaders across Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are asking you to support homegrown businesses.

New Brunswick Feels the Impact

The new tariffs directly impact businesses and workers right here in New Brunswick. Premier Susan Holt addressed the situation on Saturday, emphasizing the need for community support.

“Now, more than ever, we need to double down on buying local and supporting New Brunswick businesses and workers,” Holt said in a statement.

Retaliation and Regional Support

The trade dispute intensified after negotiations between the two countries collapsed late Friday night. Trump followed through on previous threats, slapping 50 percent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods. The targeted items include hockey sticks, honey, essential oils, and dairy products.

Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to match the tariffs dollar for dollar. He plans to introduce levies on U.S. goods starting next month. Carney will announce specific retaliatory measures and support programs for affected industries in the coming days.

Other Eastern Canadian leaders echo Holt’s call to action. Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz highlighted the direct impact of your consumer choices.

“Every dollar spent on an Island or Canadian product supports the worker who made it, the farmer who grew it, the fisher who caught it, the producer who processed it and the business that put it on the shelf,” Lantz said. “Where we spend our hard earned money matters. Those choices add up.”

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette noted the tariffs affect about $7.7 billion of her province’s exports. She pointed out that if every Quebec family spent $25 a week on local goods, it would inject $3 billion back into the economy.

“To buy Quebec products is not an economic action, it is a nationalistic action. It’s an action of solidarity,” she said.

Read the full report from The Canadian Press.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goods are affected by the new U.S. tariffs?

The 50 percent tariffs target a variety of Canadian exports, including hockey sticks, honey, essential oils, and dairy products.

How is the Canadian government responding to the tariffs?

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to retaliate by matching the tariffs dollar for dollar with levies on U.S. goods beginning next month.

How can I help New Brunswick businesses during this trade war?

Premier Susan Holt urges you to buy local products to support regional workers and the provincial economy.