As Americans line up to vote in the midterms Tuesday, New Brunswick’s premier is keeping a close eye on the results. “It matters,” Susan Holt told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis. “Democrats and Republicans have shown us that they don’t support tariffs. We want to see the kind of people get elected who are going to get us a good, free, fair trade deal.” New Brunswick’s forestry industry has been hit hard by President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariffs. Holt is hopeful the midterm results could improve trade relations between the two countries. “I think everyone expects the president to continue to act irrationally,” she said. “We may see even more unpredictable behaviour. We want to see them use their power and intact the laws that promote free trade. “Free, fair trade is in the best interest of our neighbours in Maine.” Last week, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra told a closed-door meeting that Canada could be blamed if the Republic Party loses key races in the midterms. “New Brunswick does not control what the U.S. does,” Holt said. “If he thinks we are to blame for how Americans choose to vote, I think he’s underestimating Americans.” Holt said her government is supporting entrepreneurs who are looking for customers outside of the United States while they wait for the trade situation to settle. “We’re holding out for the best possible deal for Canada,” she said. “There is a deal to be had and I think it’s one that’s tariff free.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
