Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s state of the province tour brought him to Sydney, N.S., on Thursday, where he shared words on U.S. President Donald Trump. “The Trump administration has certainly thrown global trade into chaos, but I refuse to let Nova Scotians pay the price for Washington’s politics,” Houston said from the podium during a luncheon at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. Fresh off a recent visit south of the border, Houston told the crowd he has taken action to defend the province’s industries against U.S. tariffs expected Aug. 19. “Nova Scotia will not be bullied,” he added. The 50 per cent tariffs would include Canadian wine, dairy products and hockey sticks. “This is a big cliff that we are approaching, for sure,” Houston told reporters. “We are holding the line on some of the measures we have taken around alcohol and some of the other procurements, but we are placing faith in those who are at the table negotiating.” Cape Breton University political scientist Tom Urbaniak expects Houston to continue to take a stand against the Trump administration. He said that would be a good political move given what he calls a “sag” in the premier’s popularity since the most recent provincial budget. “Tim Houston sees a political opportunity to be Captain Canada,” Urbaniak said. “And if some provinces disagree with Canadian concessions, Nova Scotia will be one of them.” As for whether he sees this as rhetoric or real action, Urbaniak said the American threat has been convenient for Houston. “Not only to pursue a rhetorical agenda of wanting to stand up for Canada, but to pursue other economic and industrial priorities that he has even if in some cases those involve American companies,” Urbaniak said. The provincial tour wrapped up with a funding announcement at a biomanufacturing company in Edwardsville, N.S. Houston said the impact of tariff threats goes beyond what is tangible. “Canadians are very upset with the way they have been treated by the president and the things the President has said,” Houston said. “That has a lingering emotional impact that we are going to have to deal with in the fulness of time too, but the economic impact is real.” Urbaniak added he will be watching when the Nova Scotia Legislature resumes for its fall sitting Sept. 8. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
