Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has outlined his response to tariffs imposed on Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order that imposes a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S., including a 10 per cent tariff on oil and gas.
In a press release sent just hours after the tariffs were confirmed, Houston said that as of Monday, tolls at the Cobequid Pass will double for commercial vehicles entering from the U.S.
He said the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will be directed to remove all U.S. alcohol from store shelves effective this Tuesday.
Business deals with the U.S. will also be curtailed.
“We will look for opportunities to cancel existing contracts and will maintain the option to reject bids outright because of President Trump’s unlawful tariffs.”
Houston also said the province will limit access for provincial procurement for American businesses.
He said going forward the province will focus on “finding new markets here at home with programs like Nova Scotia Loyal, focus on developing our own resources, eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers and, finally, of course, look for international diversification.”
The statement also said it’s remarkable to “find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour.”
