Brière pushes for stronger ties with Vermont
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Minister of National Revenue and Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière led a delegation to Vermont on Feb. 28, reinforcing the importance of economic cooperation between Canada and the United States in the face of potential U.S. tariffs. Joined by local MP Marie-Claude Bibeau and Canadian Consul General Bernadette Jordan, Brière met with Vermont business leaders and state officials in Burlington for a roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening cross-border trade relationships.
Brière, who represents Sherbrooke in the House of Commons, emphasized in an interview that the goal of the visit was to maintain and build upon existing economic ties. “Sometimes, in a crisis, we focus too much on the bad guy and forget about our friends,” she said. “This meeting was about reaffirming our friendship and ensuring that collaboration continues.”
The roundtable included representatives from Vermont’s business, agriculture, and tourism sectors, as well as officials from Quebec and the Eastern Townships. Among the participants were Michel Brien of the Union des producteurs agricoles de l’Estrie, Armin Ruf of the Producteurs Bovins de l’Estrie, and Isabelle Charlebois of Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est. Vermont representatives included Tayt Brooks, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, and Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
A major point of discussion was the impact of a proposed 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods. Brière noted that while the issue dominates Canadian news, American stakeholders do not always have the same level of awareness. “We realized that in the U.S., tariffs are not the priority—they are dealing with other domestic concerns like government layoffs,” she said. “Our job is to communicate the real impact these tariffs will have on both sides of the border.”
Brière and her counterparts agreed on the need for better communication between Canadian and U.S. stakeholders. One proposed solution was the creation of a regular newsletter or other forms of direct outreach to ensure that concerns from both sides are clearly understood and relayed to Washington.
Vermont business leaders echoed Brière’s concerns. “They don’t want the tariffs either,” she said. “It was easy for us to have a conversation about the economic impact because we were all on the same page.”
Brière also highlighted the importance of Sherbrooke’s role in cross-border trade. “Sherbrooke and the surrounding area are key to this relationship,” she said. “Our economic ties with Vermont are strong, and it’s crucial that we keep the lines of communication open.”
While her visit was primarily focused on economic cooperation at the regional level, Brière acknowledged that the federal government is preparing for potential fallout from tariffs. “We won’t let down our business people,” she said. “If the tariffs are imposed, we will have recommendations to make.”
According to information provided by Brière’s office, the visit included a tour of Hazelett Strip Casting Corporation in Colchester, Vermont, a company specializing in metal casting technology with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. The delegation also engaged in discussions on trade sectors beyond agriculture, including aerospace, semiconductors, and tourism.
Sherbrooke businesses have already been preparing for potential disruptions. “There is a lot of uncertainty,” Brière noted. “In the last few weeks, I’ve spoken with many business owners and industrial leaders. The challenges are real, but they take comfort in knowing they are not alone.”
Brière compared the current situation to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when regular virtual meetings provided business leaders with a sense of solidarity. “People need to share their concerns and realize that they’re in this together,” she said. “That’s why this meeting was so important.”
The next steps will depend on developments in Washington. Brière confirmed that discussions will continue, with a commitment to ongoing dialogue between Canadian and Vermont officials. “The message from this meeting will be carried forward,” she said. “We hope it reaches the right people.”
