FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Susan Holt announced today the comprehensive support package and action plan that lays out how the provincial government plans to respond to tariffs from the United States.
“These tariffs will have devastating consequences for New Brunswick’s workers, businesses, communities and economy, and it is critical that we are there to support New Brunswickers through this challenge,” said Holt. “Now is the time for us to collaborate like never before with our Canadian counterparts – and to protect our beloved New Brunswick and Canada.”
The provincial government has developed a four-pillar response plan, which includes:
· support for affected New Brunswickers
· relief for New Brunswick businesses
· movement on interprovincial trade
· an “NB Made” campaign to make it easier for people to choose New Brunswick-based goods and services.
These actions are in addition to measures that were previously announced, which include removing U.S. alcohol from the shelves at NB Liquor, signing no new contracts with American companies, reviewing internal trade barriers, and working with the other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items traditionally exported to the United States, such as seafood and lumber.
“New Brunswick businesses need our support now and into the future as we build a strong and sustainable economy,” said Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “New Brunswick is entrepreneurial, resilient and ready to face the challenges head-on, alongside the businesses impacted by tariffs.”
The plan is a cross-government effort that aims to ensure that residents and businesses have the programs and tools they need to be resilient during this uncertain time.
The four-pillar plan includes:
· Support to New Brunswickers: A flexible labour market support program delivered through Working NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour that will provide support and services to those whose jobs have been affected by the tariffs. A contingency fund will also be available through the Regional Development Corporation to provide support for impacted communities.
· Relief for New Brunswick businesses: Working capital loans of up to $5 million providing financial support to help maintain operations; a new $40 million competitiveness and growth program to enhance the long-term sustainability of New Brunswick’s large export-intensive companies; and $4 million to support the New Brunswick Fisheries Fund – recognizing that seafood producers will be among the hardest hit. Opportunities NB will also leverage its existing $30 million strategic assistance budget in response to current challenges and, to help mitigate the impact of tariffs, support contingency planning, market diversification and productivity improvements.
· Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers: Aggressive moves on labour mobility, such as automatically recognizing certified workers from another jurisdiction for a minimum of 120 days; allowing them to work while obtaining any necessary provincial credentials; removing nine, narrowing one, and considering six other party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement; participating in direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol and eliminating personal exemptions limits for alcohol; and improving internal trade promotion through a Team Canada approach.
· Promotion of the “NB Made” campaign: The New Brunswick Made campaign provides tools for people to identify items made in the province. It supports existing initiatives, such as Savour NB, Excellence NB, Eat Local NB and Buy Local for Good.
“It has never been more important for New Brunswickers to buy local and support our local economy,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan. “Every dollar spent on products grown or made here in our province strengthens our economy, supports local jobs, and keeps our food system resilient.”
“New Brunswick will play a leadership role in reducing interprovincial trade barriers in Canada and strengthening the economy of our province and our country,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours. “We will be part of the solution by creating new opportunities for New Brunswick’s businesses and improving the flow of goods and services within Canada – and that is why we are ready to move ahead with a strong focus on reducing the regulatory and administrative burden that currently exists between provinces and territories.”
New Brunswick businesses that have questions about tariffs can contact Opportunities NB’s Business Navigators by calling 1-833-799-7966 or emailing nav@navnb.ca. Individuals impacted by the tariffs are encouraged to contact WorkingNB to learn more about the support measures that are available to them.
Media Contact
Corporate communications, Executive Council Office, media-medias@gnb.ca.
