N.S. takes immediate steps to fight back against U.S. tariffs

No more U.S. alcohol, higher tolls for commercial U.S. drivers, says Houston

CBC News ·

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.

Trudeau hits back at the U.S. with big tariffs after Trump launches a trade war

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.”

Federal government plans

The province’s actions came ahead of the response outlined by the federal government.

To start, Canada will slap 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods coming into Canada as of Tuesday. The tariffs will then be applied to another $125 billion worth of American imports in three weeks’ time.

Provincial Liberals welcome measures

In a statement, Nova Scotia’s Liberal Party welcomed the measures planned by the provincial government.

“The U.S. tariffs announced today threaten jobs, industries, and livelihoods across Nova Scotia, hitting our rural resource sectors the hardest,” said the statement.

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