As Trade Tensions Build, New England Governors And Canadian Premiers Stress Regional Ties
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, left, and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott Sunday signed a bilateral agreement pledging continuing cooperation on a host of cross-border issues. Photo by John Dillon for VPR
New England governors and premiers from eastern Canadian provinces plan to stress cross-border cooperation, not confrontation when they gather this week in Stowe.
The 42nd annual conference of New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers comes at a time of increasing trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
But the regional leaders will consider several resolutions that stress the need to work together on issues such as greenhouse gas reduction, energy security and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Gov. Phil Scott raced stock cars before becoming a politician full time. And he had many successful seasons in a circuit that took him up to northern Quebec, to a race track in the Saguenay-Lac St. Jean region, which happens to be the home district of Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. Scott said his familiarity with the region gives him a common bond with his Quebec counterpart.
“So we traveled up there a lot. So [I] knew a lot of the same places, so it breaks down some of the barriers, when you talk about understanding their region, and maybe some of the challenges, but the opportunities, and how friendly and open they are,” Scott said.
As governor, Scott has met Couillard several times during trips to Quebec and the two leaders say they have a warm friendship. That relationship may be more important than ever as a trade war ramps up between Washington and Ottawa.
In June, President Trump imposed tariffs on imports of Canadian aluminum and steel. Canada retaliated by levying a host of tariffs on American imports of manufactured steel, along with maple syrup, yogurt, lobsters and whiskey.
Scott, who is hosting this year’s meeting, said the session will focus on the need to continue strong regional bonds.