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

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

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, MA – 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.