Premier Houston to visit Washington to talk tariffs

Premier Tim Houston is returning to Washington, D.C., this week to continue lobbying against potential U.S. tariffs that could impact Nova Scotia’s exports.

Houston will attend the National Governors Association winter meeting, where he plans to meet with American political and business leaders to emphasize the benefits of maintaining free trade. He says discussions last week were productive, but further engagement is needed to prevent tariffs that could negatively affect both sides of the border.

A delegation of Canadian premiers, including Houston, previously met with U.S. officials on February 12 to reinforce the importance of cross-border trade.

The Nova Scotia government is also working with other provinces and the federal government to address interprovincial trade barriers, improve labour mobility, and expand market opportunities.

The province’s upcoming 2025-26 budget includes a $200 million contingency fund to help respond if U.S. tariffs are imposed.

Nova Scotia’s exports to the U.S. totaled $4.6 billion in 2024, with top products including tires, seafood, forest products, and agri-food goods. The government is also developing a trade action plan to strengthen key sectors, including critical minerals, wind resources, and the seafood industry.

Houston’s delegation includes Chief of Staff Nicole LaFosse Parker, Principal Secretary Sean Joudry, and Executive Deputy Minister Tracey Taweel.