New Brunswick premier proposes ‘free-trade zone’ in Atlantic Canada

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt is proposing a free-trade zone for goods and services within Atlantic Canada to help the region withstand United States’ tariffs.

In a letter Thursday to the three other Atlantic premiers, Holt said she wants the East Coast to work together.

“While we are all taking actions to address the unique needs of our jurisdictions, we must ensure that we don’t create a new patchwork of trade rules, especially within Atlantic Canada,” she said in the letter.

“We must work together as a region to enable businesses, investors and workers to work freely and seamlessly within one Atlantic market.”

Holt is asking Nova Scotia’s Tim Houston, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Andrew Furey and Prince Edward Island’s Rob Lantz — to commit to developing an agreement that would make Atlantic Canada a “free-trade” area. The similar economies of the region would make an Atlantic free-trade deal easier and faster to put together compared to one that encompasses the entire country, she said.

Holt highlighted a bill before the Nova Scotia legislature aimed at breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. The provisions will apply to other provinces that enact similar legislation, and Holt said her government is prepared to adopt the Nova Scotia proposal.

New Brunswick, the premier said, has taken steps to remove some barriers, such as allowing people to buy alcohol directly from other provinces or territories. Her government is also allowing certified workers from across the country to work in the province for 120 days until their certification is recognized, she added. But she wants to go further.

“This agreement would see the Atlantic provinces become a single market operating with one set of rules governing trade and labour mobility,” she said.

“It would establish mutual recognition of regulations that affect the movement of goods, services and people and address the remaining barriers and irritants that limit trade within the Atlantic region.”

Newfoundland and Labrador did not immediately provide a comment on Holt’s proposal.

Emily Blue, a spokeswoman for Lantz, said the P.E.I. premier is open to working with his Atlantic partners and all other provinces and territories to eliminate barriers. “We continue to collaborate on ways to strengthen trade, improve economic growth, and make it easier for businesses to succeed across provincial borders,” she said in an emailed statement when asked about Holt’s proposed Atlantic free-trade zone.

Asked about Holt’s proposal on Thursday, Houston told reporters he preferred that Nova Scotia participate in Canada-wide free-trade deal as opposed to a regional one. Nova Scotia officials clarified Friday that Houston’s remarks were made before becoming aware of Holt’s letter.

In an emailed statement, the premier’s spokeswoman Catherine Klimek, said Nova Scotia wants to see free trade countrywide.

“We are glad New Brunswick wants to join Nova Scotia in taking bold action to reduce trade barriers,” said Klimek. “We are excited by any province wanting to join Nova Scotia in free trade and mobility. They (other provinces) can best speak to their legislative plans.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2025.

— With files from Keith Doucette in Halifax

The Canadian Press