During a panel discussion in Washington on Thursday, Atlantic Canadian premiers spoke to the need for speedy negotiations to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Prior to the Washington trip, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant made a stop in Toronto, both said to be for promoting the province and building connections with other North American leaders.
READ MORE: N.S. Premier Stephen McNeil in Washington to nail home NAFTA, softwood lumber
Alongside all Atlantic premiers as well as those from Manitoba, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories Gallant called New Brunswick “the province that depends the most on exports to the U.S.”
READ MORE: NAFTA, softwood negotiations to remain separate, at least for now: minister
Although Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister voiced his concern over NAFTA negotiations potentially turning into one party bullying another if rushed, Gallant maintained that speedy negotiations would mean all parties see the benefits of a better deal, sooner.
READ MORE: New Brunswick will ‘fight back with facts’ against U.S. softwood lumber tariff: premier
“It becomes very clear that we want to get a good deal for everyone and we want to do this swiftly,” Gallant explained. “And to Stephen’s (McNeil) point, to Wade (MacLaughlin) and Dwight’s (Ball) points as well, so we can bring certainty and continue to focus now on how do we strengthen and bring more robust trade between the two countries instead of everyone sort of wondering where is this going to land?”
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