The Provincial Government is today highlighting the ongoing collaboration with industry, community, and labour organizations and how it is informing a strategic approach to Canada-United States trade relations, as well as new market development opportunities.
While the Government of Canada is the lead on country-to-country negotiations, the Provincial Government is working as part of Team Canada to defend Canada’s interests as an independent, sovereign country.
To date, Premier Furey has led six roundtable discussions in response to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States. These meetings are helping identify key points for discussion on the national and international stage and creating local awareness of the risks of the proposed tariffs.
A key message from the discussions is encouraging residents to support local businesses as buying local keeps money and jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are substitutes for American products and residents should:
- Look to see if a product is made in Newfoundland and Labrador or Canada;
- Buy a product at a retailer in your community or neighbourhood either in-person or through their websites.
Along with a focus on supporting local businesses, discussions also involve:
- Expanding and accelerating trade with other partners, outside of the United States;
- Directing and supporting Team Canada collaboration, including with a procurement focus;
- Together with the Federal Government, preparing supports for families and businesses affected if the proposed United States tariffs are implemented.
In 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador exported approximately $4.5 billion of goods to the United States, which represented 37 per cent of the province’s total exports. Of the seafood harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador, 60-80 per cent is exported to the United States. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are between 10,000-20,000 jobs at risk if President Trump follows through on his talk of tariffs.
The backgrounder below provides some information on tariffs, as well as groups included in the roundtable discussions.
Quote
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that is taking place and I am grateful that we are unified in our commitment to protect our future by supporting local communities and industries here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Making the conscience choice to support local retailers and to purchase locally produced products will have a tremendous positive impact as we tackle the challenges presented by potential U.S. tariffs. We will stand together as a province and nation in our resolve to safeguard our economy and the livelihood of all citizens.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Why support local?
Supporting local businesses keeps your money and jobs in the province.
Whether you are in Buchans, Springdale, or Cartwright, small businesses are at the heart of a community. They deliver services, employ residents, sponsor teams, and are a source of pride in communities.
Canada’s businesses and industries are under attack by President Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs. They will put the viability of businesses, and between 10,000-20,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador, at risk.
About 98 per cent of all businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador are a small business, employing more than 15,000 people.
What are tariffs?
Tariffs are taxes that governments impose on goods coming from another country.
Like a sales tax, tariffs are paid on imported items and can affect both the cost of goods you import and the price competitiveness of your exports. So in the case of the proposed United States tariffs, for example, American citizens will pay the tax on items exported from Canada into their country – like oil and seafood.
Unlike import duties determined by the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, tariffs aren’t based on specific product factors, like country of origin, product purpose, weight or value. They are often used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Why should I care?
You should be very concerned. It is fair to anticipate that President Trump’s tariffs will negatively impact the entire Canadian and local economies.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, people working in manufacturing, fisheries, oil and gas, mining and technology will bear the direct brunt of President Trump’s tariffs. However, if you work in a restaurant, retail operation, in tourism, or other service industries, you can also expect higher costs and a considerable reduction in spending, which will lead to job losses.
Confirmed Attendees
Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Newfoundland and Labrador
Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador
Kieran Hanley, CEO, EcoNext
Alex Templeton, Board Chair, EcoNext
Florian Villaumé, CEO, TechNL
David Haire, DVP NL, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Mark Gillingham, NL Board Chair, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Carolyn Wakeham, CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs
Jessica McCormick, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
Keith Dunne, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
Amanda McCallum, Executive Director, Mining Industry NL
Rhonda Neary, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association
Derek Brown, Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association
Cory Pittman, Trade Contractors Section Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association
Bob Fiander, Incoming Executive Director, Trades NL
Corey Parsons, Interim Executive Director, Trades NL
Rob Nolan, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
Alexis Foster, CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Home Builders’ Association
Marian Templeton, CEO, Automobile Dealers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
Debby Yannakidis, President, Automobile Dealers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
Shelly Petten, Executive Director, Oceans Advance
Renae Butler, Manager of Collective Bargaining, Association of Seafood Producers
Paul Grant, Board Chair, Association of Seafood Producers
Kim Quinlan, Association of Seafood Producers
Jennifer Murray, Atlantic Regional Director, Unifor
Sharon Walsh, National Representative, Unifor
Dwan Street, President, Fish, Food and Allied Workers
Keith Sullivan, Executive Director, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association
AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO, St. John’s Board of Trade
Tom Osborne, General Manager, Dairy Farmers of NL
Charlene Johnson, CEO, Energy NL
Ken Morrissey, Chief Strategy and Communication Officer, Energy NL
Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce