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- calendar_today October 8, 2026
Bonded Shipments to Campobello Island Resume Following U.S. Border Incident
Bonded truck shipments to Campobello Island that pass through Maine have resumed, after an incident last week in which a truck was turned back at the U.S. border under new tariff regulations. The restoration of shipping comes as New Brunswick announced an extension of the ferry service to the island into November, offering residents alternative transportation now that ferry operations were initially due to stop for the season.
Truck Stopped at U.S. Border Under New Tariff Rules
The disruption occurred when a bonded truck carrying Canadian alcohol was halted at the Calais, Maine, border crossing. The truck was returned to Canada due to a recent proclamation by President Donald Trump that banned the import of Canadian alcohol into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially enforced this new restriction by turning back the shipment.
Clarification from U.S. Customs
On Wednesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Ryan Brissette provided a statement clarifying that merchandise covered under the proclamation is allowed to transit through the U.S. using approved in-bond methods, as long as it does not enter the American market. "No changes have been made to these established in-bond transit provisions," Brissette wrote. However, this contradicted the earlier statement from the agency last week regarding the shipment. When asked for clarification on what changed, the agency did not respond on Thursday.
Reactions from Provincial and Federal Officials
A spokesperson for N.B. Liquor noted the corporation had prepared to consider alternative delivery methods, but confirmed the situation was resolved and deliveries of beverage alcohol to Campobello Island via Calais, Maine, had resumed.
New Brunswick Southwest MP John Williamson described the disruption as alarming for island residents, expressing concern that the situation could change again. Williamson said he communicated with Global Affairs Canada and the office of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada after the truck issue arose. He credited cooperation between officials on both sides of the border for resolving the situation quickly. Williamson also emphasized that Campobello residents often take a balanced view of the cross-border trade situation, noting routine trips into Maine for essential goods such as fuel and groceries.
Extension of Ferry Service to Campobello Island
The New Brunswick provincial government announced an extension of the seasonal ferry that connects Campobello Island and Deer Island, now scheduled to run daily until November 1, weather permitting. Previously, the ferry was set to cease operations after Thanksgiving. The service is operated by East Coast Ferries Ltd.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Williamson welcomed the extension of ferry service but continues to advocate for federal funding for a year-round ferry option. In response to CBC News, Transport Canada emphasized its position that federal authorities are not responsible for the operation of ferry services, urging local organizations to work with the New Brunswick government to explore long-term solutions. Williamson referenced federal support for ferry services in British Columbia as a possible model for New Brunswick.
Community Response
Campobello Mayor Harvey Matthews expressed relief that ferry service was extended and that the issue with bonded shipments had been resolved. He also highlighted ongoing uncertainties related to trade tariffs and cross-border regulations, which continue to disrupt life on the island. "It’s just one of those things that you just never know from one day to the next," Matthews said, reflecting the ongoing challenges for Campobello residents when trade policies shift suddenly.
Source: cbc.ca.
