MAINE PUBLIC • May 5, 2025
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and five other northeastern governors are inviting six Canadian premiers to participate in a summit to discuss cross-border relations and President Donald Trump's tariffs. The invitation comes as the region's governors try to maintain their close relationship with Canada in trade, energy and tourism as the president pursues tough tariffs and threats of annexation not seen since President William McKinley. Canadian leaders have responded with a nationalist posture, boycotting American vacation destinations and discussing moving away from the U.S. as an economic partner. That's a big concern in Maine where Canada is the state's largest trade partner and where tourism officials are predicting a 25% drop-off for the upcoming summer season.