New Brunswick’s premier says up to 11,000 jobs could be lost in our province due to U.S. tariffs.
That is considerably more than the 4,000 to 6,000 jobs the province previously said could be impacted.
Premier Susan Holt said the earlier estimate was the initial impact of a 25 per cent tariff.
“There are still some hypotheticals in there but the longer tariffs go on, the greater the job loss will be because jobs will be lost that can’t be replaced as customers are lost, as businesses make the decision to fundamentally move operations,” Holt said on Thursday.
When asked how many people have lost their jobs already, the premier said they do not get that kind of reporting.
“Even on an anecdotal basis, to be honest, I haven’t had folks reach out yet to say, ‘we’ve just had to make our first termination on the basis of these tariffs, ‘ though I expect that those stories may be right around the corner.”
Holt also discussed the 25 per cent Chinese tariffs placed on all Canadian seafood exports as of Thursday.
She said it is something that is both concerning and significant for New Brunswick.
“China is one of our main markets for New Brunswick seafood, not as significant as the U.S. market but a big customer of ours nonetheless,” said Holt.
The premier said it will be important to diversify our export markets as tariff threats continue.
Tariffs are expected to be discussed as Canada’s premiers meet with the prime minister on Friday.
With a federal election expected to be called within days, Holt said it is important to have continuity at the negotiating table as they meet with U.S. officials.
New Brunswick’s premier is also pushing for a free trade zone to be implemented among the Atlantic Canadian provinces.
