Maine’s Governor Addresses New Brunswickers’ Fears of U.S. Visits Amid Trump Administration Policies

Diane LaVoie

June 27, 2025

Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, faced a clear challenge during her visit to Fredericton.

New Brunswick residents are hesitant to visit the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Fear around immigration enforcement and the rollback of trans rights is keeping some Canadians, especially those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, from crossing the border.

Mills and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt addressed business concerns about tariffs but also encountered questions highlighting deeper anxieties.

Vivian Myers-Jones, representing the Saint John Pride board, voiced how safety fears affect travel decisions for queer Canadians.

The tension reflects broader issues between border communities, showing that economic ties are being tested by social and political realities.

Cross-border travel between Maine and New Brunswick has long been important for economic, social, and cultural connections.

However, recent years have seen notable shifts influenced by political, economic, and social factors affecting tourism patterns on both sides.

About the author
Diane LaVoie
With over two decades of business journalism experience, Diane LaVoie has been leading our business coverage since 2017. A Nashua native and UNH graduate, Diane spent ten years at the Boston Globe covering regional economics before returning to her home state to raise her family. Her specialty is connecting national economic trends to local impacts, making complex financial news accessible to everyday readers. Diane has developed a respected column, "Granite State Business," featuring profiles of local entrepreneurs and analyzing economic development in New Hampshire's diverse communities from the North Country to the Massachusetts border. She serves on the board of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and frequently speaks at community events about the state's economic outlook. Outside of work, Diane is an avid gardener, cookbook collector, and youth soccer coach. She lives in Bedford with her husband and twin daughters.