New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her government continues to pursue a permanent exemption on federal tariffs for Campobello Island residents once they return with groceries from the U.S.
The New Brunswick community with a population of fewer than 1,000 is located next to the American border, connected by a bridge to Lubec, Maine and a seasonal ferry to the Canadian mainland.
Campobello Mayor Harvey Matthews has been pushing for a local exemption on tariffs, saying residents often don’t have a choice but to purchase necessities in Maine.
Holt says the provincial government continues to push Ottawa for exemptions “practically daily” but the federal election has put departments in “caretaker mode.”
“We would prefer to see an exemption put in place than just be reassured that the border agents are being very flexible and are treating people in a friendly way,” says Holt. “That’s not something you can take to the bank.”
Matthews has also requested an earlier start this year for the Island’s ferry service to Canada, which typically runs from June to September. Holt says there’s been no decision on starting the season earlier, nor creating a year-round ferry schedule, as was the case during COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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