Nova Scotia is moving to position itself as a more economically self-sufficient province by passing a suite of new laws focused on internal trade, resource development, and public sector efficiency.
At the centre of the legislative session, which wrapped up March 26, is a new bill aimed at removing interprovincial trade barriers — a move Premier Tim Houston said has national implications.
“Our bill on free trade within Canada has received national attention and Nova Scotia is leading the way — we should be proud about that,” Houston said at the end of the session.
The Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act is one of several pieces of legislation the provincial government passed in recent weeks. Houston said it’s part of a broader push to make Nova Scotia less reliant on external forces, including the United States.
“All of the natural gas used in Nova Scotia flows through the United States,” he said. “That leaves us exposed to the whims of President Trump. But there’s enough natural gas here in Nova Scotia to power the province for nearly 200 years.”
Bills passed during the session also lifted bans on hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining. Houston said this will help unlock the province’s resource wealth and open new markets for exports. He framed the changes as essential to building long-term energy and economic security.
Other legislation passed includes amendments to streamline healthcare administration, support advanced education and research, and create a framework for a new special electoral boundaries commission.
Houston said the government is acting in response to what he described as new geopolitical risks, including tariff threats and talk of annexation from U.S. interests.
“We cannot let the future of our province be determined by those outside our province — Nova Scotians must control Nova Scotia’s destiny,” he said.
The province also tabled a budget that includes what Houston called “historic tax cuts,” with average families expected to save about $1,000 per year. The budget includes $2.3 billion in capital spending, as well as additional investments in healthcare and housing.
While the Premier acknowledged the influence of special interest groups opposed to development, he said the province will “stand up for the interests of Nova Scotians” and move forward with its agenda.
