Maine Gov. Janet Mills and five other northeastern governors are inviting six Canadian premiers to participate in a summit to discuss cross-border relations and President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The invitation comes as the region’s governors try to maintain their close relationship with Canada in trade, energy and tourism as the president pursues tough tariffs and threats of annexation not seen since President William McKinley.
Canadian leaders have responded with a nationalist posture, boycotting American vacation destinations and discussing moving away from the U.S. as an economic partner.
That’s a big concern in Maine where Canada is the state’s largest trade partner and where tourism officials are predicting a 25 percent drop-off for the upcoming summer season. Border crossing data already show signs of decreased passenger car traffic from Canada into Maine.
Governors from New York and every New England state except New Hampshire extended the invitation to the premiers of Canada’s six eastern provinces. The summit is expected to take place in Boston at a later date.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.
