As the busy spring and summer tourism season approaches, Maritimers who depend on the industry are bracing for the fallout from U.S. tariffs—and the broader political tension that comes with it. But beyond the financial strain, there’s an emotional toll as well.
Doug Ralph, Digby’s tourism development manager, has already sensed uncertainty from American visitors. Many feel unwelcome, guilty even, over the political friction between Canada and the U.S. “They know that we’re booing them at hockey games, and of course that our countries are at odds,” Ralph pointed out. It’s an uncomfortable reality: politics is seeping into personal connections, even in places that have long prided themselves on hospitality.
Rather than accept this divide, Ralph took to Facebook with a message of reassurance. “You will always have a place here to call your home away from home,” he wrote, a heartfelt reminder that government decisions don’t define the relationships between everyday people. And he’s right. The political battles being waged in Washington and Ottawa shouldn’t dictate how we treat our neighbours.
Over in New Brunswick, Peter Harwerth, the harbour master for Welshpool Wharf on Campobello Island, has a more tangible concern. His summer sightseeing tours thrive on American visitors—who make up 90 percent of his clientele. But beyond tourism, he’s also worried about the many Americans with summer homes on the island who will struggle to get building supplies due to the tariffs. “If you want to build something on your property, you need lumber, you need building materials,” he explained. “That will completely stop.” The ripple effects will be felt not just by Americans but by the local businesses that rely on their purchases.
This isn’t just about politics or economics; it’s about people. Tourism in the Maritimes isn’t just a business—it’s a culture of welcoming others with open arms. If we let political disputes drive a wedge between us, we risk losing something deeper than just tourism dollars.
Maritimers have always been known for their warmth, and now more than ever, that reputation matters. The tariffs will hurt, no doubt. But while governments clash, it’s up to the people on the ground to ensure our friendships and hospitality remain intact.
So to our American neighbours: don’t let the headlines fool you. You are still welcome here, and you always will be.
