Governor Janet Mills and five other northeast Governors are inviting six Canadian premiers to discuss President Trump’s tariffs and work to protect cross-border relationships.
Mills opposes Trump’s tariffs on Canada, saying they’ll drive up the cost of heating oil, gasoline, and food, and will harm the state’s summer tourism season.
“Canada is Maine’s single largest trading partner, with more than $6 billion in cross-border commerce occurring last year alone,” said Governor Janet Mills in a statement. “Our economies and our cultures have enjoyed strong relationships for generations, which is now strained by the president’s haphazard tariffs and harmful rhetoric targeting our northern neighbors.”
The six northeastern governors signed a letter Monday inviting the eastern Canadian premiers to meet in Boston in the coming weeks to discuss the tariffs. The Premiers of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Québec were included in the invitation.
The governors signing the letter included five Democrats – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee – and one Republican – Vermont Governor Phil Scott. New Hampshire Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte did not sign the invitation.
The letter did not name specific dates for the meeting in Boston, but said the governors would be in touch with their Canadian counterparts to make arrangements.
Two other state administrators expressed concerns over the tariffs.
“Maine’s economic and commercial relationship with Canada is far deeper than with other international markets,” said Wade Merritt, International Trade Director for the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development. “Although previously announced tariffs are paused, significant uncertainty remains due to increased costs and the threat of retaliation.”
“Canada has long been a vital part of Maine’s travel market. For generations, we’ve warmly welcomed Canadian visitors–whether they come for vacations, to see family and friends, or to enjoy shopping and entertainment,” said Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Tourism. “We acknowledge the concerns some of our Canadian friends may have about traveling to the U.S. right now.
