Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston Responds to US Tariffs

After US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston wasted no time in outlining his response to the situation. Trump signed an executive order on Saturday, implementing a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the US, with a 10 per cent tariff specifically targeting oil and gas.

In a press release issued shortly after the tariffs were confirmed, Houston announced that tolls at the Cobequid Pass would double for commercial vehicles entering from the US starting Monday. Additionally, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will remove all US alcohol from store shelves effective Tuesday, and business deals with the US will be scaled back.

Houston stated, “We will look for opportunities to cancel existing contracts and will maintain the option to reject bids outright because of President Trump’s unlawful tariffs.” He also mentioned that access to provincial procurement for American businesses will be limited moving forward.

Looking ahead, the province will shift its focus towards finding new markets domestically through initiatives like Nova Scotia Loyal, developing local resources, eliminating inter-provincial trade barriers, and seeking international diversification. Houston expressed disappointment in the rift with the US, describing it as “remarkable to find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour.”

It is clear that Nova Scotia is taking a strong stance in response to the US tariffs, with Premier Tim Houston leading the charge to protect the province’s interests in the face of escalating trade tensions.