N.B. suppliers to face new restrictions on using American goods or services
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has announced a ban on the use of American goods and services for government contracts exceeding $5 million. This policy aims to encourage the use of local Canadian alternatives amid escalating trade tensions and new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products.
Why it matters
This move highlights the growing trend of protectionist trade policies and regional economic retaliation in response to international tariff disputes.
Starting on Oct. 1, Premier Susan Holt said government will prohibit the use of American goods and services for contracts over $5 million.
About 90 per cent of government's procurement contracts would meet that bar, Holt said in a press conference Thursday.
The move comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled plans to ban the import of some Canadian products and add more tariffs to others, starting this month.
The ban would apply to products like beer and molasses, while s ome aluminum products, furniture and other wood or paper will be hit with added tariffs.
Last year, Holt announced government would stop contracting U.S. companies, with exceptions where no alternatives are available.
Holt said American companies now hold just one per cent of New Brunswick's procurement contracts.
Despite that, she said the province is still receiving U.S. goods and services through its suppliers.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in