'We are not mini-Americans,' says Furey after Trump inauguration appearance
Premier says N.L. needs to unite against tariff, sovereignty threats
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey is defending his attendance at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, saying Wednesday it was essential to represent Canada's role as a natural resource provider for the U.S. economy.
Furey said his appearance was "in no way, shape or form an endorsement of the president or his values," nor was it a commentary on Trump's domestic politics.
He was one of several Canadian premiers, along with government officials and industry leaders who attended the inauguration.
The premier told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show that it was essential for him to be a part of the conversation amid threats of potential U.S.-imposed tariffs upon Canada.
"They're not thinking about crab in Newfoundland and Labrador unless you make them think about crab in Newfoundland and Labrador," he said.
Trump's recent attitude toward Canada — dubbing the country as "the 51st state" — is an "assault on our democratic institutions" and a potential threat to sovereignty, said Furey.
He said Canadians must have the strength to stand up to the president of the United States for his threats.
"We need a unified 'team Canada' approach," said the premier.
"We are not mini-Americans. We are Canadians."
Potential tariff impacts
The premier said potential U.S. tariffs would be "devastating" to Newfoundland and Labrador, estimating upwards of 10,000 jobs could be at stake.
One in two workers in the fishery would be directly affected, according to Furey. He said the same goes for oil workers.
Furey said the government is prepared to collect retaliatory tariffs depending on Trump's actions on Feb. 1 — the date Trump said the U.S. may slap Canada and Mexico with the sweeping 25 per cent tariffs.
Canada's reactions must avoid pitting provinces or industries against each other, said Furey, and the country must protect its identity.
"We're looking at everything we can possibly do as a provincial government," Furey said.
He said action can also be taken at a consumer level.
"If you're walking through a grocery store today, pick up the package and look at where it's made. And if it's made in the U.S., maybe you take a pass and look for something that's made in Canada or made in Newfoundland and Labrador, in particular," Furey said.
Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham criticized Furey's trip to Washington on Wednesday, calling it a publicity stunt that wasted both time and taxpayer dollars.
"It's simply an opportunity to go down and celebrate the incoming president of the United States, who on the one hand the premier makes fun of, and then on the other hand, goes down and celebrates his inauguration," said Wakeham.
Wakeham said there needs a provincial plan, as well as a federal plan, to protect Newfoundland and Labrador's industries from Trump's tariff threats.
While being part of "team Canada" is important, "that doesn't mean that I'm not going to stand up and make sure that Newfoundland and Labrador is not a bargaining chip here when it comes to team Canada," he said.
Election rumours
Ontario Premier Doug Ford signalled an early provincial election Tuesday, pointing to tariff threats presented by Trump.
When asked if he might consider doing the same, Furey said "all those things weigh into the decision matrix of when to call an election."
"Being premier is not easy," he added.
Newfoundland and Labrador's next general election is slated to take place on or before Nov. 24.
Furey said his government will "show up" in the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but would not say if he intends to call an early election.
"The only thing that is certain is that there will be an election in 2025," he said.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The St. John's Morning Show and Terry Roberts
