Nova Scotia’s legislature has opened with a throne speech describing the threat of United States tariffs as a “wake-up call” to do more to diversify and develop the province’s economy.
The Progressive Conservative government’s speech, read in the legislature today by Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, says the province should no longer tolerate special interests that have exercised “vetoes” on resource development.
The government warns that if the province wants to be ready to face tariffs — U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per tariffs on Canadian goods in March — it needs to build an economy that is “independent, resilient and resource focused.”
In particular, the Tories pledge to work harder to develop the potential of hydrogen, offshore wind, and critical minerals, resources the government says can add a combined $16 billion to Nova Scotia’s economy.
The Tories pledge to introduce modern regulations that would make it easier to exploit resources and also protect the environment.
The customary throne speech opening the legislative session follows the resounding win by the Tories in November’s provincial election, and the highlight of this sitting will be the budget tabled Tuesday.
