U.S. tariff troubles hit a New Brunswick island, residents brace for 25 per cent on purchases

Campobello island Mayor Harvey Matthews says residents of Campobello Island are asking for a tariff exemption as most residents travel to Maine for necessities.

Campobello Island, a small New Brunswick community off the coast of Maine, is facing a unique challenge due to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and its neighbour.

The island, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance as a former summer retreat of U.S. president Franklin Roosevelt, is situated right next to the border with Lubec, Maine, and Campobello residents are feeling the brunt of tariffs imposed on cross-border trade.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge connects the island to Lubec.

Campobello Island Mayor Harvey Matthews – a volunteer firefighter – has been advocating for an exemption from the 25 per cent tariff that residents face when they return to the island after shopping for groceries and necessities in Maine.

“We have a very large group of seniors here that that live on a monthly cheque. It’s not really feasible for us,” Matthews said.

The island, which is primarily a fishing community, had a population of 949 as of 2021, according to Statistics Canada.

The island’s remote location and limited local resources mean that many residents have no choice but to cross the border to access essential goods.

“You can drive to St. Stephen, an hour and a half, there’s a bit of groceries here but when you run out of a gallon of milk after supper, you’re probably going to have to go to Lubec, Maine, to get your gallon of milk,” Matthews explained.

Matthews expressed concern about the uncertainty and stress this has caused for his residents, who never know when they might have to pay an additional $50 or $100 on their purchases.

The mayor has noted that the tariffs have led to a decline in cross-border shopping.

Matthews said, in a meeting with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, he requested an early start to the ferry service this season in an effort to alleviate the burden on residents. Ferry season regularly starts from June to September.

This would provide an alternative transportation option for those who wish to avoid the tariffs and instead go to the mainland to access services and goods there.

One of the ferries typically runs from Deer Island, N.B., to Campobello.