Houston says latest U.S. tariffs not worst-case scenario, but still not great for Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says while U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff announcements aren't a worst-case scenario, it's still not great for the province.

"The initial understanding is that some of our major industries have been spared new tariffs. The ones that were put in place before are still there. And certainly the Chinese tariffs are also having an impact on Nova Scotia," Houston told reporters at a news conference in Westville, N.S., on Thursday.

Dozens of countries around the world were hit with tariffs in Trump's latest announcement on Wednesday, but Canada and Mexico were not included in the list. This means some of Nova Scotia's biggest export industries — fishing, tire-making and lumber — are not subject to further U.S. tariffs.

Houston said thousands of Nova Scotians will nonetheless be impacted and the provincial government "will try to be there to support people through that" and will do "whatever it takes to protect Nova Scotians and our economy." 

Some of that support, he noted, could come through loans, grants and "market diversification."

Nova Scotia focusing on becoming more self-reliant

Houston described the latest developments as a "fluid situation" and said the government is working to "assess the actual impact of the announcements."

During the news conference, he spoke once again about his desire for Nova Scotia to become more self-reliant by developing its natural resources. The province is in the process of lifting bans on uranium mining and exploration and a moratorium on fracking.

"We have to be cautious about it, but we also have to have the courage to have the discussions and move forward," the premier said.

Houston said the province is also in the process of passing a bill aimed at removing interprovincial trade barriers and improving labour mobility. 

"Whatever it takes, we'll work with Nova Scotians to find the best support for their actual circumstance during this period of uncertainty."

Tariff responses in N.S. remain in place

Houston said Nova Scotia's existing tariff responses — like pulling U.S. alcohol from the shelves, increasing tolls at the Cobequid Pass for U.S. commercial vehicles and cancelling non-essential contracts with American suppliers — will remain in place.

When he was asked about the federal government's response to the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., Houston said he's supportive of the work that's been done so far.

Houston said he spoke with other premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday and is supporting the "Team Canada" approach and how Carney is trying to deal with the situation.

He said he is not endorsing any federal candidates but has written letters to both Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to emphasize Nova Scotia's priorities.