Since the Trump administration implemented tariffs on Canada, tourism in the North Country has dropped 21%, according to an audit by the New York state comptroller’s office.
On a practical level, that means nearly 3.6 million fewer visitors and millions of dollars are no longer entering the state’s economy from Canada.
Capital Tonight asked state Assemblyman Robert Smullen what he would say to North Country businesses that rely on tourism.
“I would say, ‘I hear you,'” he said. “I have great respect for our Canadian neighbors. I served in Afghanistan on the ground with Canadian forces. I thank the Canadians for answering the NATO Article V call after Sept. 11 and I would pledge to be able to work with them to make sure that trade is both fair and free.”
Smullen also discussed the war in Iran, affordable housing and healthcare in the North Country where 30% of residents depend on Medicaid.
Smullen is running against businessman Anthony Constantino for the Republican line in New York’s 21st Congressional District. He is also running on the Conservative Party line, which means his name will appear on the ballot whether or not he wins the June 23 primary election.
