September 8, 2026
As Canada matches U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar on targeted American goods, Nova Scotia Liberals will use the first day of the fall legislative session to demand answers from the Houston government on how it will protect Nova Scotians workers and industries.
In Budget 2026-27, the province budgeted a contingency fund of $50 million for economic pressures but has yet to say how it will be used or who will receive support. When asked by reporters last month, Finance Minister John Lohr couldn’t say what money – if any – had been spent this year.
“Nova Scotians are already struggling with high costs, and today’s tariffs will put even more pressure on workers, small businesses, and industries,” said Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin. “The Houston government has a contingency fund, but doesn’t seem to have any plan to use it to support Nova Scotians. We’ll be pressing for answers today.”
With grocery prices already high and tariffs threatening to add further pressure, Liberals will also table legislation targeting the cost of groceries and competition in the sector. The bills would:
- Remove the provincial portion of the HST from all food at grocery stores;
- Ban predatory practices including surveillance pricing and restrictive property controls; and
- Support local independent grocers to increase competition.
“Nova Scotians shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their other bills,” said Rankin. “There are things this government can do right now to lower grocery bills and make sure families aren’t left paying the price for higher costs and weaker competition. We’re coming back to the legislature this fall with practical solutions that we hope the Houston government will act on.”