‘All hands on deck to avoid tariffs:’ N.S. premier joins colleagues for trade mission in Washington

A delegation of Maritime premiers is heading to Washington, D.C., to discuss the possible U.S. tariffs.

All 13 provincial and territorial leaders, including Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, will be in Washington this week to meet with American decision makers.

In a statement to CTV News on Monday, Catherine Klimek, press secretary for the Nova Scotia Premier’s Office, says the meeting is being done “to emphasize the importance of this relationship and the mutual benefits of our economic partnership.”

Klimek adds they believe in a “Team Canada approach” and that “It’s all hands on deck to avoid tariffs.”

“We will continue to work together towards shared interests, including a secure border and mutually beneficial cross-border trade, while supporting Nova Scotian businesses,” Klimek says.

Houston says he recognizes the stakes are high, “not just for Canadians and Nova Scotians, but also for Americans who will also pay the price if tariffs are imposed.”

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt plans to lead a delegation of business leaders during the three-day trip.

In a statement, Holt’s office says the mission, “will feature meetings with congressional delegations, senators and other representatives. Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB and for economic development and small business, will also participate in the mission.”

Those New Brunswick businesses and organizations participating include: Cooke Aquaculture, J.D. Irving. Limited, New Brunswick Crab Processors, Mrs. Dunster’s and Potatoes New Brunswick.

Holt says the province works closely with New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers to benefit workers, business and people.

“We have especially strong ties with the State of Maine, our neighbouring border state.” says Holt.

Political analyst Lori Turnbull says one of the most tangible things premiers could get out of the meeting is relationship building with those who have the ear of the president.

“I think what is probably very much realistic is for them to build relationships (and) have some sense that they have open dialogue that could help Canada. And that this isn’t totally subject to Donald Trump’s whims at whatever time of the day and whoever he happens to be talking to. I think it’s about maintaining that stability. It’s relationship building,” says Turnbull.

Turnbull also highlights the challenge officials have working with a personality like Donald Trump.

“Part of the issue is the way that Trump communicates and what he wants to get out of this from an ego perspective and from a power perspective. He likes to be able to see other countries, other politicians, react. And he doesn’t want to concede anything,” says Turnbull.

The meeting in Washington will start Tuesday.