Holt calls for faster lumber talks at premiers’ conference

Premier Susan Holt says New Brunswick’s economy is being squeezed by softwood lumber tariffs.

Holt said at the annual conference of New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers that she wants Ottawa to move more quickly on trade negotiations with the United States.

“Every day that we go, particularly with these softwood tariffs, is another day of difficulty for New Brunswick,” Holt said.

She added that the federal government plans to advance negotiations in January and that the province’s priority is to see progress on lumber talks as soon as possible.

Holt pointed to layoffs in the sector and reduced orders for value‑added wood products, citing a six‑week curtailment at Arbeck as an example of the impact.

Holt also addressed Canada–U.S. relations, describing them as “at one of [their] lowest points in a very long time.” She said the relationship is centuries old and has endured through peace and war.

“We’re going to play the long game and do what’s in the best interests of New Brunswick, and those are those interests are shared in New England,” she said.

Beyond trade, Holt said her government is focused on health care and affordability. “We want to tap into health infrastructure funding that can recognize our needs to modernize our health infrastructure,” she said.

Holt noted that federal support could help defray the costs of projects already in the provincial budget and open the door to new investments.

She also responded to opposition criticism about the size of the civil service, saying her government is reviewing ways to deliver services more efficiently.

“We’re looking at the kind of things that we should stop doing because we need to put investments in certain places, and that means trade‑offs and tough choices,” she said.

On energy, Holt said discussions with New England governors centred on cross‑border “inter‑ties” to ensure reliability and affordability.

She added that NB Power is considering recommendations to protect vulnerable customers from winter disconnections.

“I want to protect our vulnerable, and I’m certain that’s the same priority for NB Power,” she said.

Delegates at the conference adopted three resolutions, including continued cooperation on energy, ecological connectivity and food security, along with a new initiative on technology and innovation.