HALIFAX: Nova Scotia is facing economic uncertainty as the Trump administration’s tariffs take effect, impacting businesses, workers, and families across the province, and despite another 11th-hour setback on those said tariffs, Nova Scotia isn’t budging.
In response to the April 2 delay by President Donald Trump, Premier Tim Houston announced they will “stay the course” after implementing a series of retaliatory measures.
““It’s hard on Canadians. I think it’s also hard on Americans, so there’s no need for tariffs, and we just need to get there,” Premier Houston said, condemning the tariffs as “illegal” and “destructive,” vowing to take immediate action to mitigate their impact.
Among the measures introduced by the provincial government, they are banning U.S. businesses from bidding on provincial contracts to limit American access to Nova Scotia’s procurement opportunities.
Tolls for U.S. commercial vehicles at the Cobequid Pass have been doubled, and the province directed the removal of all U.S.-made alcohol from Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) shelves, a tactic previously used to put pressure on American producers reliant on Canadian markets.
The government has also introduced a contingency fund in the 2025-26 budget to help stabilize businesses and workers affected by the tariffs; they are advancing legislation to improve interprovincial trade and support local industries as an alternative to American markets, while also developing a trade action plan to encourage global market expansion for Nova Scotia businesses.
“Donald Trump is a short-sighted man who wields his power just for the sake of it, not having any consideration for the destructive impact of his decisions on both Canadians and Americans,” Houston said. “Unfortunately, some people need to touch the hot stove to learn, and while we cannot control or predict their behavior, we can control how we respond.”
While the Houston government has taken strong measures against American trade policies, opposition leaders argue that more direct action is needed to support struggling Nova Scotians.
Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender highlighted the impact of the tariffs on affordability, as many Nova Scotians are worried about their paycheques, their expenses and their family’s budget.
“While no one can predict or control what this volatile president does, it’s crucial that the people of this province have the support they need to weather this storm,” Chender said. “We have seen the people of this province pull together to support local producers and local small businesses because that’s who we are: we come together as one province and take care of each other when times are hard. We all have a special interest in seeing our province succeed.”
She criticized recent changes to Nova Scotia’s tenancy laws, which cut the grace period for late rent payments from 15 days to just three, warning that this policy could increase evictions during an already difficult economic period.
“The government must reverse this harmful policy, ensure landlords can’t use fixed-term lease loopholes to jack up prices, ban unfair eviction tactics, and invest in affordable housing,” she said. “Nova Scotians can’t afford to wait.”
Nova Scotia Liberal Party Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette expressed support for the government’s trade measures but urged that the contingency fund be targeted to ensure stability for workers and businesses.
“We support the measures taken by Premier Houston to push back against these harmful trade barriers,” Mombourquette said. “But we also need to strengthen our natural resource industries, improve interprovincial trade, and better control spending to protect our province’s economy.”
Despite political differences on how best to navigate the crisis, there is a shared understanding that Nova Scotians must support one another.
Premier Houston acknowledged the importance of “choosing to be Nova Scotia loyal” by buying local, traveling within the province, and backing Canadian businesses.
“We are a government of action, and I continue to stand with you,” Houston said. “My focus is entirely on protecting the interests of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families – in these times of uncertainty, that is one constant you can continue to count on.”
As Nova Scotia braces for the economic challenges ahead, residents, businesses, and government leaders alike are rallying to support the province’s industries and communities in the face of these new tariffs.