HALIFAX — The four Atlantic premiers have paused their plans to respond to United States President Donald Trump's now-postponed tariffs on Canadian goods and services.
Among other things, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador had all planned to remove American alcohol from provincial liquor stores, but those actions were shelved when Trump on Monday delayed implementing 25 per cent tariffs for at least 30 days.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Andrew Furey announced Tuesday a new buy local campaign.
"We want to encourage people to buy from Canada, buy from Newfoundland and Labrador," Furey told a news conference at Urban Market 1919, a store in St. John's that sells a wide variety of products including groceries, jewelry, giftware and home decor.
"As you walk in to buy … exercise what economic authority you have as a consumer, you can give some pause for thought."
The premier then unveiled the campaign's new logo, featuring a portion of the Newfoundland and Labrador flag in the shape of a maple leaf.
Furey's Liberal government issued a statement saying the campaign will feature promotional materials explaining how to show support for local manufacturers and retailers.
"Small- and medium-sized businesses and their workers are the hearts of most communities in the province," the government's statement says. "Buying products that are made or grown here at home or within Canada helps keep money and jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador."
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston issued a statement praising the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying that as the threat of tariffs remains, Nova Scotia "stands in solidarity" with its provincial and territorial colleagues.
"For now, we can all take a breath," the Progressive Conservative premier said in a statement. "We are relieved there will be a pause on tariffs imposed on Canada. President Trump’s tax would have had a very real, immediate negative impact … Because of the pause, our retaliatory measures will not take effect."
Houston said his government would be ready to respond if the tariffs return, but he concluded his statement on an optimistic note.
"I believe that the strength of our longtime friendship with the United States will ultimately prevail," he said. "It has survived wars, recessions and pandemics — I believe it can also ultimately survive President Trump."
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt welcomed the 30-day pause and confirmed that American products would remain on the shelves of provincial liquor stores, but she said in a statement the province will not be purchasing any new products "until the issue around tariffs is resolved.”
As well, she said, New Brunswick won't be signing new contracts with U.S. companies in the next 30 days; it will review procurement protocols to see if replacements can be found for U.S. companies; and the government will review internal trade barriers to strengthen the Canadian economy.
“The tariffs were a wake-up call for all of us about the importance of building up our economy and buying Canadian,” Holt said.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said Trump's delay "creates space" for further discussions.
"I have been in close contact with my fellow first ministers and federal counterparts to ensure that the voices of Islanders are heard," the Progressive Conservative premier said in a statement.
"We rely on strong, stable trade relationships, and we will not allow uncertainty to threaten our economy .... I am hopeful this pause will allow us to find a fair and stable path forward."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2025.
Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press
