So, like, Gov. Maura Healey from Massachusetts and five other governors from the northeastern states are getting together with Canadian provincial leaders to talk about Donald Trump’s tariffs. They’re meeting in Boston to figure out how to maintain good trade relations despite all the drama. Healey’s office mentioned that the focus will be on helping local businesses and residents benefit from the trade.
Healey, along with Governors Janet Mills from Maine, Kathy Hochul from New York, Ned Lamont from Connecticut, Daniel McKee from Rhode Island, and Phil Scott from Vermont, sent out invites to the leaders of Canadian provinces like New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Québec. They all want to chat about how to deal with the tariffs and keep the trade going strong.
Healey made it clear that Canada is a big deal for Massachusetts when it comes to trading. She said, “For generations, we have enjoyed a strong partnership and a healthy exchange of energy, lumber, dairy, cars and car parts, seafood and more. But President Trump’s tariffs are undermining this partnership.” Mills from Maine also chimed in, mentioning that they saw over $6 million in commerce with Canada in 2024. It’s a real bummer that the tariffs are causing tension in the relationship.
Scott from Vermont is also not thrilled about the tariffs. He mentioned that the cost increases from the Trump administration’s actions are not cool. He said, “A trade war with our friends to the north, our largest trading partner, seems like a bad idea.” Healey even warned that the tariffs on Canadian energy could end up costing Massachusetts consumers a crazy amount of money, nearly $1 billion. That’s a lot of dough!
The Trump administration slapped a 25 percent tariff on most Canadian goods, which is not making things easier for anyone. The details of the meeting are still up in the air, but Healey’s office promised to share them soon. Hopefully, they can come up with some solutions to this mess.
