N.S. premier says U.S. trade dispute a ‘wake-up call’ for economic diversification

Advertisement

Advertise with us

BANFF - Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Canada’s trade dispute with the U.S. has been a wake-up call to diversify the province’s economy. 

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

BANFF – Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Canada’s trade dispute with the U.S. has been a wake-up call to diversify the province’s economy. 

Houston was responding late Wednesday to a potential Canada-U.S. trade deal from Banff, Alta., where he’s promoting energy projects at an industry conference. 

He said the dispute has taught the province it needs to develop more diverse trading partners for sectors like seafood and agriculture, though the U.S. market is still important. 

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston attends a photo-op at the Ontario legislature in Toronto on Monday, March 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston attends a photo-op at the Ontario legislature in Toronto on Monday, March 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

He said Nova Scotia also has to be more self-sufficient, especially on the energy file. 

Houston has championed more mining development, natural gas drilling and a massive offshore wind project known as Wind West in recent years.  

The offices of New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz both declined Thursday to comment until details of the U.S. trade deal were made public.

“The whole experience has taught us something really important about diversification and pushing Nova Scotian opportunities,” Houston told reporters. 

“That’s why I’m in Alberta right now talking about Nova Scotia gas and Nova Scotia oil and Nova Scotia opportunities. Diversifying our trading partners for our markets and seafood and agriculture and all kinds of things.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2026.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD BUSINESS ARTICLES