Economic Strain from Tariffs, Aging Population, and Tourism Decline

I am writing as a concerned Maine resident regarding the economic and energy challenges our state faces due to the recent 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada’s retaliatory counter-tariffs, and potential disruptions in electricity imports. These issues are hitting Maine hard, especially given our aging population and declining tourism from Canadians. I urge you to take immediate action and provide clarity on your plans to address these pressing concerns. Economic Strain from Tariffs, Aging Population, and Tourism Decline The tariffs threaten Maine’s economy by disrupting key industries. Our pulp mills, reliant on over $213 million in annual wood pulp imports from Canada, face higher costs or supply shortages, risking production cuts and job losses. Tourism, another economic lifeline, is suffering as Canadians—deterred by counter-tariffs—avoid traveling to the U.S. This drop in visitors hurts border and coastal businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops, slashing revenue when we need it most. Maine’s aging population makes this worse. With retirees outnumbering working taxpayers, our shrinking tax base struggles to fund services and infrastructure. This leaves us less equipped to handle economic shocks like the tariffs and tourism downturn, amplifying the strain on our state’s resources and threatening our livelihoods. Energy Crisis Risks The potential energy crisis adds to the urgency. Ontario’s threat to halt electricity exports could ripple through the North American grid, impacting Maine, which gets 10% to 30% of its power from Canada (mostly New Brunswick and Quebec). Any disruption could spike electricity prices or cause outages, hitting households—many on fixed retiree incomes—and energy-dependent industries like pulp mills. This compounds the economic challenges we’re already facing. Questions for Immediate Action I respectfully request answers to these critical questions: What steps are you taking to lessen the tariffs’ impact on Maine’s industries and tourism? How will you ensure a stable, affordable energy supply if Canada cuts exports? What plans do you have to address the long-term challenges of Maine’s aging population and shrinking workforce? Maine’s residents, from retirees to working families, need solutions now. These issues demand your urgent attention. Closing Thank you for considering these concerns. I look forward to your response and the concrete steps you’ll take to protect Maine’s economy and way of life.