Tariffs and Trout: When Politics Taints the Wilderness

The idea that American hunters and anglers may soon be barred from obtaining New Brunswick fishing licences is a stark reminder of how politics can sully even the most pristine pursuits. For decades, the province has benefited financially from its popularity among U.S. sportsmen, who flock to Blackville and other rural towns to try their luck at catching salmon or bear.

Larry Adair, owner of Adair’s Wilderness Lodge near Poley Mountain, estimates that 30% of his business comes from American clients, with some outfitters relying on them for nearly the entirety of their income. The recent trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have put a strain on these relationships. Premier Susan Holt’s announcement that the province would seek to eliminate U.S. goods from government contracts has sparked fears among locals that American hunters and anglers may soon face restrictions on obtaining licences, effectively shutting off this lucrative revenue stream.

This move may seem like a reasonable response to the trade war: if Canada can’t sell its goods in the States, why should Americans be allowed to buy access to New Brunswick’s natural resources? However, restricting American access would not only harm local outfitters but also jeopardize the province’s own economic interests. Brad Burns, a Maine native who has spent 25 years fishing in Blackville, points out that the wilderness is not just a place to hunt or fish, but a way of life.

The freedom to roam the forests and rivers of New Brunswick draws Americans in, and the knowledge that they are contributing to the local economy through their spending is an added bonus. The irony here is that while Premier Holt’s government may see this as a way to assert Canada’s economic sovereignty, it is ultimately a protectionist move that will harm the very people who stand to benefit from increased trade with the U.S.

By restricting American access to New Brunswick’s natural resources, the province risks alienating one of its most valuable customer bases. This is not the first time that politics has disrupted the fragile balance between Canada and the U.S. in this regard. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans were barred from hunting and fishing in New Brunswick, causing economic hardship for many local outfitters.

The human cost of these restrictions should not be overlooked. For many American hunters and anglers, their trips to New Brunswick are not just about bagging a trophy but also about connecting with nature and forging bonds with local communities. By shutting off this access, the province risks losing not only revenue but also the goodwill and loyalty of its most dedicated clients.

As the trade war between Canada and the U.S. continues to simmer, it is clear that no sector will be immune from its effects. But in the case of New Brunswick’s outfitters, the stakes are particularly high. The province must tread carefully here, lest it inadvertently harm the very people who stand to benefit most from increased trade with the States.