Federal officials are looking at supports for businesses and workers if U.S. tariffs go ahead.

That was the main focus of a meeting between Canada’s premiers and federal officials on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to put 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods as of Saturday.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said they were presented with an overview of some of the support options the federal government is considering.

That includes potentially removing the employment insurance waiting period so laid-off workers can get money more quickly.

The federal government is also looking at offering easier access to credit and liquidity, similar to what they did during the pandemic.

Holt said they also discussed how labour market development agreements in place between the federal government and the provinces could be modified.

“One thing that I really wanted to emphasize with the federal government was the need for support programs to be flexible and to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and really recognize the differences,” said the premier.

“We have different sectors that will be hit in different provinces, different economic realities, different realities with our labour force.”

It is estimated the proposed tariffs could cost tens of thousands of jobs nationwide.

Despite Parliament being prorogued currently, the New Brunswick premier said they have been reassured the federal government has the authority and the tools that they need to act within their existing programs and budgets.