Canada's consul general warns Vermont lawmakers tariffs and border changes could disrupt energy, trade and local economies

Bernadette Jordan, Canada's Consul General for New England, told the Vermont Health Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on Feb. 19 that diplomacy and cooperation are the right tools to address cross‑border concerns, and warned that proposed tariffs and unilateral border measures risk broader economic harm.

"Only 0.6% of fentanyl that's coming into The United States is coming through the northern border," Jordan said, adding that "1% of illegal immigrants are coming in from the northern border." She told the committee Canada is investing about "$1,200,000,000 into border upgrading" to address security concerns and urged joint solutions.

Jordan and her staff described the deep integration of Canada‑U.S. supply chains and energy systems, and warned that tariffs would raise costs for consumers and businesses. "These things are going to impact both countries," Jordan said, noting examples including energy imports from Quebec, maple syrup and inputs for local breweries. She also cautioned that tariffs ultimately increase consumer prices and could force businesses to delay investments or lay off employees.

Local committee speakers described on‑the‑ground impacts. One Newport gas station owner (not named in the transcript) said a recent electrical failure at a Montreal terminal temporarily limited fuel deliveries and that Burlington prices were about "36¢ a gallon more," prompting the owner to wait for the cheaper Montreal supply. Committee members also raised community concern about reduced hours at the North Troy crossing, which was reported to close from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on the Vermont side; presenters said those hour adjustments were data‑driven but have local economic effect.

Maggie Randall of the Quebec government office in Boston provided energy data: "12 and a half percent of all energy in New England comes from Quebec," she said, and noted Quebec and other provinces are pursuing increased transmission and renewables exports to New England.

On migration and visa policy, Canada staff described administrative steps to preserve immigration integrity. Meghan Sunderland, the consulate's head of political and public affairs, and another consular staffer said border measures include visa and processing changes as well as operational adjustments at crossings. "Part of the border measures that we have taken involves immigration integrity," the consular team said, describing visa policy tools used when migration patterns change.

Why it matters: Vermont's economy and daily life are closely linked with Canadian trade and cross‑border movement, particularly for energy and tourism. Presenters told lawmakers that even narrowly targeted tariffs or altered border operations can ripple through fuel prices, electricity supplies and local businesses that rely on cross‑border inputs and customers.

Committee members asked the consulate to relay local examples back to Ottawa and to remain available for follow‑up; no formal committee actions or votes were taken during the exchange.