Premier speaks with ambassador to U.S. on tariffs
Follow-up with Kruger continues on effect of border expenses
Premier Dwight Ball’s schedule on Monday included a phone conversation with Canada’s Ambassador to United States, David Macnaughton.
Ball said it was one more aspect of the ongoing efforts by the provincial government to address the threat to the health of the Corner Brook paper mill operation posed by new countervailing and anti-dumping tariffs on newsprint products set by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Mr. Speaker, there’s been a considerable amount of work that’s been done in the last two weeks. As a matter of fact, just a few days ago we had a meeting with Minister Carr, the federal minister, who’s made a commitment to stand by Newfoundland and Labrador and to fight with us every step along the way. We’ve had many meetings with Kruger, almost on a daily basis right now,” the premier said, before also revealing the call with the ambassador.
Ball said he expected to get a better indication of the options in front of him.
The issue of U.S. tariffs came up at the start of question period and, mid-questioning, the premier took issue with a comment by Progressive Conservative Leader Paul Davis, suggesting he had not spoken
to the prime minister on the situation.
He said the first of two preliminary tariffs was announced back in January, he has spoken to the prime minister since that time on the tariffs on uncoated
groundwood products (including newsprint) and the trade issue remains a priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.