Canada’s Atlantic provinces have responded to Donald Trump’s sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods with retaliatory plans of their own. In a statement released March 4, 2005, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston refers to Trump as “a short-sighted man who wields his power just for the sake of it, without consideration for the destructive impact of his decisions on both Canadians and Americans.”
Nova Scotia says it will immediately limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses while actively seeking options to cancel existing contracts until President Trump removes what Houston refers to as “unlawful tariffs.” It will also be doubling the cost of tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles coming from the United States and directing the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. to remove all U.S. alcohol from its shelves effective immediately.
As part of Budget 2025-26, Nova Scotia has added a contingency fund to respond to U.S. tariffs, although the details are still unclear.
“We introduced legislation designed to break down barriers to interprovincial trade. We must be open for business in Canada,” Houston wrote. “We hope all provinces and territories immediately endorse and pass corresponding legislation.”
Meanwhile in New Brunswick, similar steps will be taken to support local businesses and limit job losses, including redirecting provincial procurement efforts within Canada and, where possible, replacing existing contracts with U.S. companies.
“Our economies are deeply connected, supporting workers and businesses on both sides of the border in sectors such as energy, seafood, forestry, agriculture and aquaculture, among others,” Premier Susan Holt said in February, referring to its U.S. trade relations. “New Brunswick works closely with New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers to benefit our workers, businesses and people. We have especially strong ties with the State of Maine, our neighbouring border state.”
In light of Trump’s tariffs, the NB government says it is reviewing internal trade barriers and vows to work closely with other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items traditionally exported to the U.S., including seafood and lumber.
