Northeastern U.S. Governors and Canadian Premiers Reaffirm Partnership Committed to Trade, Economic Relations

For Immediate Release 

Northeastern Governors and Canadian Premiers convened in Boston today at the ‘Strong Partnerships, Shared Future Convening’ to discuss impacts of tariffs and opportunities for continued partnership

Boston — Today, northeastern U.S. Governors and Canadian Premiers gathered at the Massachusetts State House to discuss their commitment to strengthening trade and economic relations. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey hosted the Strong Partnerships, Shared Future Convening in response to tariffs on Canadian imports and exports.

Those participating in the convening were: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz, Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston, Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador John Hogan, Québec Minister of the Economy and Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism Christopher Skeete (representing Premier François Legault), Connecticut Energy and Environmental Affairs Commissioner Katie Dykes (representing Governor Ned Lamont), and New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell (representing Governor Kelly Ayotte).

“For centuries, the northeastern United States and Canadian provinces have been uniquely linked by our shared cultural, familial and economic ties. But this special partnership is facing an existential crisis like never before, threatening to sever these bonds, undermine our local economies, and raise costs for residents and businesses,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “That is why I wanted to convene Governors and Premiers today – to send a clear message that we are going to continue to embrace these bonds and seek out opportunities for economic relations and trade. Our economies and our communities will be stronger because of the discussions we had today and our commitment to continued partnership between our two nations.”

During the convening, Governors and Premiers pointed to the centuries-old economic, familial and cultural bonds that connect northeastern American states and Canadian provinces. Canada and the United States enjoy the world’s most comprehensive trading relationship – Canada is the top trading partner for most states and the single largest foreign supplier of energy to the United States. The U.S. is the largest recipient country of Canadian direct investment, while the United States is the single greatest investor in Canada.

The Governors and Premiers expressed their desire to enhance economic ties, support existing robust trade and investment relationships, and work in partnership to promote greater understanding and friendship between the people of the two regions. The areas that they singled out for further collaboration are: trade and investment, tourism and hospitality, energy, manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

A recording of the discussion between Governors and Premiers moderated by former Vice Chair of Bank of America (BofA) and former Chair of BofA Europe Anne Finucane during the convening can be found here. 
 

Statements from Governors and Premiers

Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut: 
“Connecticut has long shared a strong friendship and economic partnership with the eastern Canadian provinces — ties built on respect, trade, and a shared commitment to regional prosperity. From tourism to clean energy and innovation, our close collaboration has created meaningful opportunities for both sides of our border. We value this enduring relationship and look forward to deepening it in the years ahead.”

Governor Janet Mills, Maine: 
“The relationship between Canada and the United States — and Maine in particular — is defined by more than our deep economic and cultural ties — our cuisine, our shared language, our lumber, seafood, and agricultural heritage; it is rooted as well in the intertwined lives of generations of families, including my own, whose lineage and histories span both sides of the border. This convening reaffirms our longstanding friendship and sends the message that our relationship is stronger than the misguided rhetoric and actions coming from Washington. I am grateful to the Governors and Premiers who attended today in support of the historic friendship of our states and the sovereign country of Canada. The people of Maine and the nation stand with our friends in Canada.”

Premier Susan Holt, New Brunswick: 
“We have been good neighbours and trade partners for decades and we continue to treasure our long-standing friendship with northeastern states. New Brunswick provides essential energy, tourism and manufacturing to these states. During our meetings today, I stressed the importance of our economic and cultural ties to both our countries, while pitching opportunities to make our partnership even stronger.”

Premier John Hogan, KC, Newfoundland and Labrador: 
“Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in natural resources and abundant in clean, reliable energy. Working together, we can power prosperity on both sides of the border. By continuing our collaboration, we’re not just addressing today’s challenges — we’re shaping a future around common priorities that will make both economies stronger.”

Governor Kathy Hochul, New York: 
“We’ve said it from Day One: this misguided tariff policy is going to hurt New York’s economy. From the storefronts of Buffalo to the farms of the North Country, New York’s economic strength depends on trade with our neighbors to the north. We’re standing together to protect this $50 billion economic relationship and support working families.”

Premier Doug Ford, Ontario: 
“It’s never been more important for premiers and governors to work together to put an end to tariffs and bring certainty for workers, businesses and families. Together, let’s restore the pride of ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ and ‘Made in Canada’. Together, let’s build Fortress Am-Can, a renewed strategic alliance between America and Canada that’s a beacon of stability, security and long-term economic growth on both sides of the border.”

Premier Rob Lantz, Prince Edward Island: 
“Our province has a long history of trade with the northeastern United States. This meeting was an opportunity to speak directly to the pressures facing our exporters, highlight the importance of reducing barriers, and stand up for the sectors that drive growth and opportunity in our province.”

Minister for the Economy and Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism Christopher Skeete, Québec: 
“We believe there is a clear role for states and provinces to strengthen our relationship.  This convening of Northeast states and provinces highlights our shared interests, values, and the importance of ongoing regional collaboration at the sub-national level. We are glad to contribute to the dialogue between Canada and the United States which is also taking place at the federal level.”

Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island: 
“As states face growing challenges brought on by tariffs, it’s critical that we come together to protect the jobs and industries that depend on strong, stable U.S.-Canada partnerships. Rhode Island values the long-standing economic and cultural ties we share with our Canadian neighbors. I appreciate Governor Healey’s leadership in convening us—because when we work together, we can support regional industries and keep our economy growing and competitive.”

Governor Phil Scott, Vermont: 
“Canada is an important trading partner to the United States and especially Vermont. As I’ve said before, I don’t believe increasing tariffs on them, in particular, was a good idea. It was great to meet with fellow Northeastern Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to discuss issues impacting all of us and continue to strengthen the relationship we have with our friends and allies to the north.” 

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