ICYMI: In Toronto Star Op-ed, Governor Mills Tells Canadians Trump’s Trade War Is Not Maine’s Fight

What this means

Governor Janet Mills used an August 30 Toronto Star opinion article to argue that federal trade policy did not reflect Maine’s relationship with Canada and to call for de-escalation before Canadian retaliatory tariffs scheduled for September 8. The Governor’s Office said she cited higher consumer costs, manufacturing-job losses and possible effects on winter road-salt supplies. These are the Governor’s policy arguments and forecasts, not independently established outcomes announced by the release.

Official release

Source material from Maine Governor’s Office. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

August 30, 2026

Governor calls on President Trump to de-escalate trade war before Canada’s retaliatory tariffs take effect

Augusta, MAINE – In an op-ed published today in the Sunday edition of the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest-circulation newspaper, Governor Janet Mills spoke directly to the Canadian people about Maine’s enduring friendship with Canada and made clear that President Trump’s trade war does not reflect the views of Maine people.

“As the Governor of Maine, I want Canadians to know that the people of my state respect your proud history as an independent nation,” wrote Governor Mills. “We will continue to raise awareness about how damaging these tariffs are and push Washington to end this dispute.”

Governor Mills detailed how the trade war is hurting people on both sides of border with higher costs, lost manufacturing jobs, and even posing threats to winter road-salt supplies. She called on President Trump to de-escalate the dispute before Canada’s retaliatory tariffs take effect September 8.

“We share more than a border with Canada—we share an economy, a history, friendships and families, and a way of life,” wrote Governor Mills. “Our relationship does not belong to any one president or prime minister. It belongs to the everyday Mainers and Maritimers who can pull up a chair at Tim Hortons, do business together, and lend a hand when a neighbour needs one.”

Read the Governor’s op-ed in the Sunday Star here.

Release text attributed to Maine Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.