‘Nova Scotians are exhausted’: Premier Houston reacts to President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ announcement

Maritime premiers are vowing to open new markets as the trade war continues.

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” declaration, Premier Tim Houston says previously announced retaliatory measures will remain in place in Nova Scotia.

On Wednesday, Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, not including Canada. However, previously imposed tariffs on a number of Canadian goods remain in place.

Houston released a statement after the announcement, saying while it appears Canada hasn’t been hit with the worst-case scenario, Nova Scotians will still be affected.

“I also want to recognize the impact that the buildup to this moment has had on businesses and people. This entire experience has been a huge drain on the mental health of Canadians, and thousands of Nova Scotians are exhausted from the stress of dealing with this uncertainty and instability,” he said.

The premier added his government will work to support Nova Scotians impacted by the ongoing trade war.

“Moving forward, there will still be impacts from the trade direction of the U.S. administration. Our work to diversify markets will not change. In fact, it will ramp up. And, of course, we will work with those who remain impacted on both an individual basis and larger-scale programming basis, as needed,” Houston said. “This could mean loans, grants, support for diversification or whatever. We will work with you to find the best support for your circumstance.”

Houston says the province will keep looking for ways to “put Nova Scotia and Canadian companies first” as it reviews and cancels contracts with suppliers from the U.S.

Increased tolls for commercial vehicles from the U.S. remain at the Cobequid Pass, and American alcohol continues to stay off NSLC shelves.

“The message from this experience remains and we have heard it loud and clear – putting too many eggs in one basket is never a good idea. This is why we will work hard to ensure that Nova Scotia becomes more and more self-reliant,” said Houston, adding resource development is a key part of the strategy.

The premier also praised Prime Minister Mark Carney for his leadership in the matter.

“This is not an easy time for our country or our people. Canadians are patient people, but the “governor” references and “51st state” jokes grew old and angered Canadians. Your approach seems to be working as we have collectively noticed these derogatory messages have stopped. Thank you,” said Houston.

P.E.I. premier on tariffs

Houston met with his fellow provincial leaders at the First Ministers meeting on Thursday. Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz also attended the meeting and he said his province’s support programs will continue.

“While, for now, it may seem like we have not been hit with additional tariffs that the President has spoken about for the last number of months, there will still be impacts on our country’s economy with the tariffs that have been put in place,” Lantz said in a news release. “These tariffs will impact Islanders and Island businesses.

“For now, much of our exports will continue to flow across the border to our valued customers in the United States. However, we will continue to work with our business community to explore new markets, diversify our trade relationships, and do everything we can to continue to grow our economy here in PEI and across the country.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sean Mott and Jonathan MacInnis.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page