Harry Sanborn is chair of the Penobscot County Democratic Committee.

Maine has a very long tradition of close and very good relations with our Canadian neighbors, especially economically. That is it was very good relations, until these recent comments started about Canada or parts of Canada coming into statehood status with our other 50 states. Now the relationship is waning.

Thanks to rapidly changing tariff policies and much talk about making Canada the 51st state, fewer Canadians are visiting Maine this summer. Many Maine businesses are hurting because of it and the state is losing tax revenue because of it.

Tourism is a powerhouse in Maine’s economy, generating over $8 billion annually in direct spending from visitors. This includes lodging, dining, transportation, retail and recreation. The ripple effect is even larger when you factor in indirect and indirect impacts.

Just what is the Maine tourism economic impact snapshot?

Here are some basics:

• Visitor spending: More than $9 billion in 2023.

• 2023 visitors saved every Maine household $2,467 in state and local taxes.

• 2023 jobs supported: Over 131,000.

• Wages earned in 2023 were $5.7 billion. Every 117 visitors supported a Maine job.

• Lodging revenue by overnight visitors totaled $2,189,525,700.

Tourism is not just a summer affair; it is woven into Maine’s identity throughout the four seasons. From leaf-peeping in autumn to snowmobiling in winter, the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage keep visitors coming year-round. I suggest it is not a good business or a sound economic decision to act in any reckless manner that hinders any of our vital revenue sources.

These chaotic and ill-conceived actions are damaging to American exporters to Canada as well as importers from Canada. The U.S. consumer is experiencing unnecessary price increases on many products due to tariffs. The damage is wide, deep and irreparable. Once lost, the monetary damage cannot be recovered.

Canada is a proud sovereign nation. Many Mainers have close friends and family in Canada. We understand that Canada never has, does not now and never will have an interest in becoming part of the U.S. This ill-conceived rhetoric has gravely insulted Canadians, just as we would be insulted if they were doing the same was done to us.

This whole notion of annexing Canada is completely and utterly without sound justifications. Unsolicited letters, such as the one written by state Sen. Joe Martin, do not rise to the level of good communication and messaging. They only further damage us economically and morally.

Much more could be accomplished by spending all our time and energy tending to our own backyard right here in Maine. Let us work together finding solutions to our own problems.

This short list comes to mind:

• Making rural health care more accessible and affordable for Mainers,

• Stopping the closure of rural hospitals and nursing homes here in Maine.

• Working to reduce prices and other costs that are going up steadily even though promises to reduce those prices were made.

•  Grow talent. Invest in education, workforce training and attracting young professionals.

• Support innovation. Expand research and development and tech infrastructure to foster entrepreneurship.

• Strengthen infrastructure. Improve broadband, transportation and energy systems.

• Promote sustainability. Leverage Maine’s natural resources responsibly for long-term growth.

• Expand global reach. Boost exports and attract international investment.

• Foster inclusive growth. Ensure economic opportunities reach rural and underserved communities.

• Build resilience. Prepare for economic disruptions through adaptive planning.

Here in the great state of Maine, we Democrats hold firm our sacred ideals of freedom and democracy. We as Democrats hold these ideals dear and will increase our efforts to enshrine these values in our history.