N.S. premier hoping for feasibility study on Wind West project

A look back at 2025 and ahead to 2026 with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has made offshore energy one of his government’s main priorities. Houston, who appointed himself energy minister in October, has pitched Wind West as a project that could provide up to 25 per cent of Canada’s electricity needs.

In September, the federal government committed to working with Nova Scotia on the project, which, if completed, would be the country’s first offshore wind farm.

“I’m really excited about Wind West,” Houston told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis during a year-end interview. “We have great wind speeds. It’s a huge opportunity for us. The question mark is how we get it to those markets.”

Houston said the next step for the project is a feasibility study, which he is hopeful could receive federal funding.

Trade barriers

Reflecting on 2025, Houston noted that one of the dominant issues, as it was for all provinces, was trade with the United States amid new tariffs. Houston, whose government has signed deals with other provincial governments to remove trade barriers, said they need to be looking at other markets.

“Other jurisdictions are working at a different pace,” he said. “Everybody wants to grow their economy. The U.S. will always be a trading partner. We’re looking for other markets and sometimes that’s the province next door.”

Earlier in December the province returned American spirits to its store shelves after removing them in March in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Proceeds from the sales of the booze will go to Feed Nova Scotia and other community food organizations.

Houston noted any changes to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) – which is up for review next year – could have major impacts on Nova Scotia.

“Anything that impedes our access to the market is a concern,” he said. “I’m putting my faith in the negotiating team with the federal government. We’re just trying to be supportive.”

Cannabis dispute

Late in the year, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong called for the RCMP to ramp up its efforts against illegal cannabis dispensaries in the province, including those on reserve land.

The move prompted strong criticism from First Nations groups, including Sipekne’katik First Nation, which banned Houston, Armstrong and Leah Martin, minister of L’nu Affairs, from their band lands.

Houston said his government is concerned with the “public safety aspect” of illegal cannabis dispensaries.

He noted that law enforcement people have told him they found traces of fentanyl and pesticides in some cannabis from illegal dispensaries, but the RCMP and Halifax police recently told The Canadian Press they had found no fentanyl in tested illegal cannabis.

Houston, who said he’s fielded concerns from members of the public around these dispensaries, said his government is also concerned with potential organized crime connections.

He said he is willing to talk with any First Nations leaders about the issue.

“My door is always open,” he said. “This is a public safety issue. Most of the chiefs have my personal cell number. I will partner with anyone.”

Deficit

On Dec. 18, the provincial government revealed the deficit had grown to a record $1.29 billion as expenses outpaced revenues.

Houston said much of the increased deficit came from measures his government took to address the affordability crisis, including the removal of tolls on the Macdonald and MacKay bridges.

He also noted health-care spending is a significant contributor to provincial expenses.

“I’m interested in growing our economy,” he said. “We have potential. I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of this province.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Natalie Lombard and Jesse Thomas, and The Canadian Press

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