Premier ends weekly N.B. tariff briefings because situation 'somewhat stabilized'

Premier Susan Holt has ended her weekly briefings on the tariff war with the U.S., saying the "situation has somewhat stabilized" with the recent federal election and resumption of bilateral talks with President Donald Trump's administration.

"We have a new and stable federal government in place," Holt said Thursday as she delivered her last tariff briefing. "They have now named a clear team of people who will be leading the negotiations with the U.S. and the work to remove the barriers to trade."

Prime Minister Mark Carney's team includes Dominic LeBlanc, the minister of international trade and intergovernmental affairs.

There are still 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles and goods not covered under the Canada United States Mexico free trade agreement. LeBlanc said he's pressed U.S.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to eliminate those tariffs.

WATCH | Holt shows confidence in Canada's efforts to end tariffs: 

Holt ends weekly tariff updates, says situation ‘stabilized’

6 hours ago

Duration 0:57

Premier Susan Holt, who has been giving weekly updates since March about the impact of tariffs on New Brunswick, says the briefings are no longer needed as the new federal government takes on negotiations with the U.S.

"I spoke to Secretary Lutnick [last week] for 20 minutes," LeBlanc said in a recent interview. "So we're continuing, I hope, a process that will lead to those tariffs being lifted."

With provincial government supports in place for New Brunswick businesses and with federal government officials at the table with their U.S. counterparts, Holt said it was time to end the weekly briefings.

"We think that the level of threat that prompted us to provide regular and consistent communications to New Brunswickers has diminished," she said.

Holt said the government will come up with a new plan within two weeks to convey news on the tariff situation to the public.

She said the government is also planning a trip to Ottawa to discuss the province's priorities with the Mark Carney  government.

"Our team will be sending a delegation to Ottawa in very short order to make clear face-to-face the priorities of our province, the uniqueness of our province and our desire for a strong partnership with the federal government as we seek to advance opportunities for collaboration, for nation-building and for growth," she said.