Applications are now open to staff the provincial government’s so-called Boston Office.
The office will be located in the Consulate General of Canada to the United States in Boston, with applications now open for the position of Senior Program Assistant.
The goal is to “strengthen and maintain mutually beneficial economic ties”—a concept that was originally brought forward long before the Trump administration was re-elected to office in Washington and the bitter trade war that has ensued.
It was hoped that the Boston Office would help to secure markets for NL seafood products in New England and beyond, but many are questioning its purpose and viability in light of current economic tensions and a shift to markets other than the United States.
The premier has defended the move, indicating that having a presence in Boston is more important now, than ever.
Furey underscored why he believes the office is important while answering questions from the opposition in the House of Assembly last week.
He says it is important to have advocacy, and try to “influence the sphere of the president.”
(File photo.)
Independent member Paul Lane calls plans to open the office in the face of a bitter trade war hypocritical.
He says it would be different if the office was already up and running and playing a pivotal role in maintaining seafood markets in New England, and then suggesting that it be shut down.
“The bottom line,” says Lane, “is that we never had it to begin with. So now we’re going to spend taxpayers money on opening up an office, that never existed before, during a time when the United States doesn’t want to do fair trade with our country and with our province.” “It makes absolutely zero sense” says Lane, “and it’s hypocritical at best.”
