Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham is currently in Norway attending the Offshore Northern Seas oil and gas conference. Despite being away, his focus remains on managing the impact of the Canada-U.S. trade war back home. In a statement released on Tuesday, Wakeham acknowledged the potential consequences of tariffs, including increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and overall uncertainty in the province.
While Newfoundland and Labrador may experience less direct impact compared to other regions, Wakeham commended Prime Minister Mark Carney for his leadership in implementing retaliatory tariffs against the United States. The provincial government is aligning itself with the federal response to protect economic interests and maintain a stable trading relationship with the U.S.
Wakeham emphasized the importance of collaboration with key industry partners to monitor the effects of trade actions closely. Among those contacted by Wakeham are Mining Industry N.L. and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, with more engagements expected in the future.
Canada has imposed counter tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, effective since Sept. 8, along with a $7.5 billion support package for workers and businesses. Wakeham stressed the need for ambitious and targeted response programs to safeguard jobs and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In response to the trade war, opposition leaders in the province are urging the government to reinstate a “premier’s roundtable” on tariffs, which was previously initiated under former premier Andrew Furey. NDP Leader Jim Dinn emphasized the importance of inclusive consultations to address the impacts of the ongoing trade dispute effectively.
Small business owners, represented by the Canadian Federation for Independent Business, have raised concerns about accessing federal support programs. Director Jonathan Galgay highlighted the need for criteria that cater to the needs of smaller businesses and ensure fair access to relief initiatives. Despite initial apprehensions, organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador have successfully tapped into regional response programs in the past, with ongoing support being finalized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
As the situation evolves, Wakeham continues to engage with stakeholders and partners, seeking feedback on the potential impacts of the trade war. The provincial government’s proactive approach in understanding and addressing the implications of the tariffs has been acknowledged by industry representatives.
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