Houston promises at Doug Ford campaign rally to remove trade barriers for Nova Scotia
Premier Tim Houston made an unexpected announcement in Ontario on Thursday, revealing his plans to introduce legislation aimed at easing trade between Nova Scotia and other provinces and territories. Speaking at a campaign rally for Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, Houston shared his intention to table a bill called the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act upon his return to Nova Scotia.
The proposed legislation seeks to streamline the process of selling goods approved in any province or territory in Nova Scotia, eliminating the need for additional testing, bureaucratic hurdles, and unnecessary delays. Houston emphasized the importance of removing interprovincial trade barriers, particularly in light of potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the positive intentions behind the bill, Nova Scotia’s opposition leaders expressed concerns about the premier’s surprise appearance in Ontario. NDP Leader Claudia Chender criticized Houston for announcing a significant piece of legislation in another province, suggesting it demonstrated a lack of regard for Nova Scotians and the democratic process. Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette acknowledged the need to address internal trade barriers but questioned the timing and location of Houston’s announcement.
In response to criticism, Houston defended his decision to unveil the legislation in Ontario, citing the urgency of the situation and the need to collaborate with other provinces to facilitate trade. He and Ford called for greater efforts to eliminate unnecessary obstacles hindering interprovincial commerce, emphasizing the importance of creating a more seamless trading environment within Canada.
With the Ontario election fast approaching, Houston officially endorsed Ford at the campaign rally, praising his dedication to finding solutions amidst the ongoing trade challenges posed by the U.S. government. Ford, in turn, emphasized the need for a new mandate to support workers potentially impacted by tariffs, highlighting the significant financial commitment required to navigate the current trade landscape.
As Premier Houston prepares to introduce the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act in Nova Scotia, the proposed legislation aims to enhance economic opportunities, streamline trade processes, and strengthen interprovincial partnerships. By addressing barriers to internal commerce and fostering a more open trading environment, the bill seeks to promote growth, create jobs, and support businesses across the country.
