Holt says U.S. tariffs set for April 2 may not be as broad as initially feared

Premier Susan Holt said she didn't expect to have much to say this week at the start of her now-weekly live updates about the latest in the trade war with the United States,

But as Canadians have learned by now, things are hardly ever quiet on that front.

Trump said late Wednesday that he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian vehicle imports.

Holt said while New Brunswick is not a hub for auto manufacturing, Ontario — New Brunswick's second-largest provincial trading partner — is.

"When Ontario sneezes, New Brunswick gets a cold," Holt said.

But she also shared better news, with word from her counterparts in Ottawa that the threat of broad tariffs across the board, set for April 2, will likely be more targeted at a list of products.

New Brunswick has set up a $62-million tariff relief package to help businesses and municipalities affected by rising costs or labour disruptions, and Holt encouraged any companies impacted to apply for available aid now.

Municipalities and companies subject to Canada's own counter tariffs on importing U.S. goods can apply to the federal government to get back any tariffs paid out, she said. They can reach out to the province or Opportunities N.B. for help navigating that, Holt added. 

She also said efforts by New Brunswickers and the provincial government to restrict travel and spending in the U.S. and on American products is being noticed south of the border.

"I know I don't need to encourage you to do that because you have been doing it in spades, New Brunswick, and I want to say thank you for that job," she said.

"It's starting to destabilize and create rumblings from the United States and so it's working. Keep doing it."

Holt said Saint John is hosting a conference for southeastern U.S. governors in June, which will be another opportunity to continue pressing American politicians on the harm created by tariffs.

"We are hearing more and more that senators and governors, particularly in Republican states, are starting to see the impact and are starting to understand better how this is hurting Americans," Holt said. 

No promise on Campobello year-round ferry

Reporters at Thursday's briefing asked the premier about the province expanding the Campobello ferry to year-round or even an earlier start, but she did not answer the question directly. 

The island is connected to mainland New Brunswick by ferry during summer months, but in the off season, residents have to drive for an hour through Maine to reach the rest of the province. There is no hospital or gas station on the island and only one grocery store. 

"There's a challenge there that needs to be addressed," Holt said. 

She added that New Brunswick has been pressuring Ottawa to put in place tariff exemptions for Campobello residents crossing the border, but no solution has been made yet.

Chinese tariffs not a priority

As for Chinese tariffs on Canadian seafood coming at the same time as the U.S. trade war, Holt was asked by if Canada is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to encourage a drop or reduction of seafood tariffs.

Holt said it is being considered, but Canada's efforts are most focused on reducing and eliminating U.S. tariffs on Canada, as they are a larger trading partner than China. 

"There is concern that removing the tariff on Chinese vehicles will make our relationship and situation and negotiating with the U.S. worse."

The federal government has financial supports for Canadian seafood and canola producers impacted by those tariffs, and Holt said the seafood industry can apply for provincial funding as well.