Nova Scotia spending $200,000 to support seafood sector in response to tariffs

Lobster fishing boats are seen at a wharf in Eastern Passage, N.S., on March 10, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/Jonathan MacInnis)

Nova Scotia will add $200,000 in permanent funding “to support market diversification activities specific to the seafood sector,” said a statement from the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Minister Kent Smith said he met business representatives from the sector Thursday to learn more about what they need to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

“As we work through this, the Province wants to assure the 20,000-plus workers in our seafood and aquaculture sectors that we’re here for them and for all Nova Scotians,” he said.

Smith said the seafood industry is the “backbone of rural communities and a foundation of our economy.”

In addition to the funding, Smith said the province has established a hotline for businesses to get information, advice and support on tariffs.

Minister of Growth and Development Colton Leblanc and Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration Nolan Young were both in attendance to during the virtual meeting “to engage with industry as the situation evolves.”

“There are many other supports at the federal and provincial levels for companies who wish to explore new markets,” Smith said.

The province set aside a $200 million contingency fund to respond to tariffs before the funding was announced for the seafood sector.

Smith said he and Premier Tim Houston will be promoting Nova Scotia seafood at North America’s largest seafood expo this weekend in Boston.

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