Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham is currently in Norway attending the Offshore Northern Seas conference focusing on oil and gas. However, his primary concern lies in addressing the impact of the Canada-U.S. trade conflict back home.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Wakeham acknowledged the negative effects of tariffs on businesses, consumers, supply chains, and overall uncertainty within Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite the province facing less direct impact, it is not entirely shielded from the repercussions.
As Canada implements retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., Wakeham praised Prime Minister Mark Carney for his leadership and emphasized the alignment of the provincial government with federal actions.
The premier emphasized the importance of standing united with Team Canada to safeguard economic interests and promote a stable trading relationship with the U.S. Wakeham mentioned ongoing communication with key industry partners to monitor the trade war’s effects in the province.
The Government of Canada has imposed counter tariffs on U.S. goods worth $27.6 billion starting September 8, along with $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses. Wakeham stressed the necessity of ambitious and targeted response programs to protect jobs and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders in the province are urging the government to reinstate a “premier’s roundtable” on tariffs, involving stakeholders from various sectors. NDP Leader Jim Dinn called for inclusive consultations to address the impacts of the trade dispute effectively.
Small business concerns were raised by the Canadian Federation for Independent Business, highlighting the importance of federal response programs that cater to the needs of independent businesses. The organization expressed reservations about access criteria for support programs and emphasized the need for clarity and inclusivity.
Despite the complexities of the situation, Wakeham’s office confirmed ongoing efforts to engage with partners, assess impacts, and prepare for discussions with stakeholders.