This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV: June 23-29, 2025

The latest episode of This Week Uncut, hosted by Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon on CHCO-TV, unpacked a complex and evolving relationship between Maine and New Brunswick—one shaped by decades of cultural ties, shared economies, and a border that has become increasingly fraught for many travellers.

At the centre of the discussion was the recent visit by Maine Governor Janet Mills to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. During a fireside chat in Fredericton with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, the two leaders addressed the state of cross-border relations, with tourism emerging as a point of divergence. While both acknowledged the strength of regional economic ties—particularly in forestry, seafood, and agriculture—Premier Holt has publicly urged Canadians to vacation domestically this year, citing the need to support local economies. Governor Mills, on the other hand, assured Canadians that Maine remains welcoming, stating, “If you have a Canadian passport, you’re good to go to Maine.”

That message hasn’t resonated with everyone. As CHCO’s panel noted, border-related anxieties persist, particularly among racialized Canadians and dual citizens. One audience member’s story stood out: a Venezuelan-Canadian woman and her husband cancelled their annual trip to Maine due to uncertainty at the border. According to This Week Uncut, such sentiments are not isolated. The Courier and CHCO-TV's Aidan Raynor cited data showing an estimated 85,000 fewer Canadian visitors to Maine in 2025, a drop expected to hurt small, locally owned businesses the most. Raynor had the chance to interview Mills one-on-one in Fredericton and shared the interview with viewers.

The episode moved from international tensions to local tourism efforts. One segment focused on the planned power outage in St. Andrews—an intentional shutdown for infrastructure upgrades aimed at preventing a repeat of last year’s Canada Day blackout. Though disruptive, the work is necessary for a town that relies heavily on summer tourism.

CHCO also shone a spotlight on innovative local offerings, including Flying 2 Sea, a helicopter tour company based in St. Stephen. Founder Ron Fournier said demand has already exceeded expectations: “We’re averaging two or three tours a day,” he noted, attributing early success to the region’s natural beauty and curiosity from locals and tourists alike.

The show closed on a heartwarming note with coverage of Snorkel the harbour seal’s 19th birthday at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. The event drew families and marine life enthusiasts, offering a reminder that community connection—and a love for the Bay of Fundy’s wildlife—remains strong.

In a week that brought reminders of geopolitical tension and economic fragility, This Week Uncut delivered a grounded look at how global issues echo through small communities—and how those communities continue to adapt, innovate, and celebrate what makes them unique.