New Brunswick outfitters are warning of serious economic consequences if the provincial government moves ahead with a proposal to restrict American hunters and anglers from obtaining provincial hunting and fishing licences in response to U.S. tariffs.
The proposal is part of Premier Susan Holt’s broader response to the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute. The provincial government has begun a legislative review to determine whether the natural resources minister could be given authority to restrict licences for non-residents under certain circumstances.
Industry representatives say such a measure could severely affect outfitters and tourism businesses that rely heavily on visitors from the United States. Clay Harrison, head of the United Guides and Outfitters of New Brunswick, said about 85% of the industry’s clients are American, with some businesses depending almost entirely on U.S. customers.
The potential impact extends beyond outfitters themselves. Hunting and fishing visitors spend money on accommodations, restaurants, transportation, equipment, guides and other services, providing income for businesses and workers in rural communities.
A study cited by the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations found that clients of New Brunswick outfitters spent about $8.9 million in the province in 2017, including $7.3 million from foreign visitors.
Scott Ellis, vice-chair of the federation, said the outfitting industry has continued to operate despite the trade war and warned that preventing Americans from obtaining licences could ultimately hurt Canadian businesses and workers.
The proposed restrictions come after New Brunswick announced other measures designed to support Canadian businesses in response to U.S. tariffs. Starting October 1, the province plans to prohibit the procurement of U.S. goods and services for significant government contracts valued at more than $5 million, while also reviewing supply chains for opportunities to prioritize New Brunswick and Canadian products.
For outfitters, however, the proposed licence restrictions raise concerns about whether retaliatory trade measures could unintentionally damage businesses that depend on American customers.
The debate highlights the difficult choices facing Canadian provinces as they respond to U.S. trade measures while trying to protect local economies. In New Brunswick, the outcome could have particular significance for rural communities where hunting and fishing tourism provides an important source of business activity.
The province has not yet implemented a ban on American hunters and anglers. The proposal remains under review as the government considers its options in response to the continuing trade dispute.
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