Premier Tim Houston speaks to reporters on March 5, 2025. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
Nova Scotia will not be adjusting its trade policies in response to the U.S. decision to temporarily pause tariffs on Canadian goods under USMCA.
Premier Tim Houston confirmed the province’s stance in a post on X, stating that Nova Scotia will “stay the course” despite recent developments. He did not indicate whether further measures were being considered but emphasized that the province remains focused on protecting local industries and jobs.
While Ottawa has delayed its second wave of tariffs on U.S. goods until April 2, provinces have been weighing their own responses to the shifting trade situation. Earlier this week, Ontario announced a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian energy.
But Premier Tim Houston says Trump’s flip-flopping on tariffs is frustrating.
“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,” Houston said.
Trump continued to shift his stance on Friday, threating new tariffs on dairy and lumber.
The province’s tariff response includes multiple measures, including higher tolls for U.S. commercial trucks, blocking U.S. businesses from bidding on government contracts, and removing American alcohol from NSLC shelves.
