New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her government is continuing to pursue agreements with other provinces to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, with Quebec being the main focus. “Quebec is our largest trading partner, so that has the most impact and the most opportunity,” said Holt, on Thursday. “That’s where we’re putting our energy.” Holt met with Quebec Premier François Legault earlier this week at Saskatoon’s First Ministers’ meeting, to discuss the extension of a natural gas pipeline from Quebec City to New Brunswick. In March, Holt said her government was working to develop a free-trade zone in Atlantic Canada for goods, services, and labour. Since then, New Brunswick has signed memorandums of understanding on free trade and labour mobility with Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Ontario. Holt said a memorandum of understanding with Prince Edward Island was close to being finalized and discussions for a Nova Scotia agreement were still ongoing. “I believe Nova Scotia was taking more of an all-or-nothing approach,” said Holt. “The ability to come to an Atlantic consensus wasn’t there. But we’re moving ahead with P.E.I, and we’re moving ahead with Newfoundland, and we’re hoping to get Quebec on board.” Holt said one point of contention for achieving a Nova Scotia agreement was the crown wood being processed in New Brunswick. “That’s not something we’re prepared to give up right now, so our conversations with Nova Scotia continue,” said Holt. On Sunday, Alberta and Saskatchewan signed trade agreements with Ontario. Holt said discussions for a similar agreement were ongoing with the New West Partnership, representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
