Nunavut premier says territory is ‘vulnerable’ to trade war, urges people to buy Canadian | CBC News
The premier of Nunavut says his territory relies on imported goods and is vulnerable to the effects of a trade war with the United States. Now that it’s begun, P.J. Akeeagok is encouraging residents to buy Canadian and reiterating his government’s commitment to protecting the economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods, as of Tuesday. Canada has responded by putting tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods, and has said it will put tariffs on $125 billion more in three weeks time.
“It is very unfortunate that the U.S. has brought forward this tariff war on us all,” said Akeeagok in an interview with CBC News.
A statement from the premier’s office says that “while Nunavut does not directly export to the U.S., the territory relies heavily on imports for essential goods, infrastructure and services, making it vulnerable to rising costs and supply chain interruptions.”
“We are taking measured steps to support Canadian suppliers and safeguard the affordability and availability of goods for Nunavummiut,” the statement reads.
The Nunavut government says it’s “actively monitoring” supply chain disruptions and working with contractors and supplies to make sure infrastructure projects – which are now cast into uncertainty – can continue.
The Nunavut government said the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission will also no longer sell American liquor products.
Akeeagok said Nunavut stands with other territories and provinces in opposing trade barriers between Canada and the U.S. He said the territory was also exploring ways to break down barriers to trade within the country and to bring in investments that could help Nunavut’s big infrastructure projects.
Akeeagok also encouraged Nunvummiut to buy Canadian goods in response to the trade war.
“Buying Canadian not only strengthens our economy but also reinforces the importance of investing in domestic industries,” he said.
