Nova Scotia is leading the country in removing interprovincial trade barriers. ” “
making a difference in healthcare; common sense credentialing; expansion of scope of allied health professionals; and red tape reduction. Now, a doctor in good standing in comparable jurisdictions like the UK, Australia, or other provinces can practice in Nova Scotia. And now, pharmacists can diagnose, treat and prescribe for a wide range of common illnesses - like strep tests, saving trips to a doctor or emergency room. Another initiative I’m very proud of is in February we opened the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence, a first of its kind in North America that will see internationally trained physicians get licensed faster to practise in communities across the province. And this Fall, the Cape Breton medical school campus is set to open. I’m looking forward to these investments resulting in more doctors practicing in Nova Scotia to meet the needs of today and keep pace with growing population to meet the needs of tomorrow. Spotlight on Business: The Premiers have met to discuss the U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. What Nova Scotia industries are most vulnerable to large tariffs by the US? What options are you looking to include in retaliatory tariffs or measures against the U.S.? Premier Houston: In the past few months, we’ve seen Canada’s relationship with the United States drastically evolve. We’ve lived on pins and needles, wondering if the U.S. would honour its trade agreements and respect our long- standing relationship as friends and allies. While it appears that Canada may not have been hit with the worst-case scenario in terms of tariffs, thousands of Nova Scotians will be impacted. During this period of uncertainty, the initial non-tariff retaliatory measures we put in place will remain. This means we will
continue to look for ways to put Nova Scotia and Canadian companies first as we review and cancel non-essential contracts with U.S. suppliers. The increased tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles from the U.S. will remain. American alcohol will remain off the shelves of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. stores. The message from this experience remains, and we have heard it loud and clear – putting too many eggs in one basket is never a good idea. This is why we will work hard to ensure that Nova Scotia becomes more and more self-reliant. Spotlight on Business: Recently, we have seen Nova Scotians and really all Canadians getting on board with the “Made in Canada” movement. What is your government doing to break down interprovincial trade barriers? What conversations are you having with other Premiers to look at their trade policies within Canada and remove barriers that slow or prevent the movement of goods and services from one province to another? Premier Houston: Nova Scotia is leading the country in removing interprovincial trade barriers. In March, we passed the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act, which will remove trade barriers from other provinces and territories that agree to do the same for Nova Scotia. This law quite simply says that product testing and professional certification that is good enough for another province is good enough for Nova Scotia, because we trust them, and we are all one country. Ontario has already agreed to table reciprocal legislation, and I look forward to more provinces having the courage to do the same.
Spotlight on Business: You have communicated that your government is looking to pursue natural resource
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