‘Real friends do not threaten you’: Houston criticizes Trump for wildfire comments, tariff threats

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is pictured in a Facebook video criticizing President Donald Trump's comments about Canada's wildfires. (Tim Houston/Facebook)

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is criticizing President Donald Trump for his comments about Canada’s wildfires and latest tariff threats.

Houston posted a statement and video calling out the U.S. president on Facebook Monday evening.

“As our province and country work together to fight wildfires, President Trump responds with more threats and punishing tariffs,” said Houston. “At this point, we should not be surprised.”

“Real friends do not threaten you when you are in trouble,” he added. “They step up and help.”

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has been triggering air quality warnings across Ontario and in multiple states, including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, New York and Indiana.

Trump has accused Canada of “wilful negligence” and claims a lack of forest management and debris removal is costing the U.S. billions of dollars.

Speaking to reporters Sunday night, Trump said the fires are poisoning U.S. air and need to stop. He also suggested Canada should pay damages and threatened to increase tariffs due to the smoke.

The president did announce Monday that the U.S. will impose a 50 per cent tariff on an array of Canadian goods in one month, but said it’s due to unfair Canadian trade practices, including provincial bans on U.S. booze.

‘They don’t stand by and watch things burn’

Meanwhile, Houston is thanking those who have stepped in to help as crews continue to fight the Mooseland Road wildfire burning on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.

“I really want to thank our friends in Newfoundland for sharing some of their resources with us, because that’s what friends do when you’re in trouble. They help,” said Houston in the video.

“They don’t threaten you, they don’t laugh at you, they don’t stand by and watch things burn. They don’t tariff you. They act. They step up, they help.”

Newfoundland and Labrador sent two fixed-wing water bombers to help Nova Scotia crews fight the wildfire.

Houston also thanked Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey for offering support when she heard about the fire.

“And despite the ignorant commentary coming from President Trump please know that there is still some kindness south of the border,” said the premier.

“That’s a true friend and we will do the same for anyone around who needs help because it’s the right thing to do.”

Houston is also urging Nova Scotians to check burn restrictions before starting any fires, noting the main cause of wildfires in the province is “human activity.”

During wildfire season, domestic brush burning and campfires are prohibited between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The fine for not following daily burn restrictions is $25,000.

Mooseland Road fire still held

The Mooseland Road wildfire continues to be held at 1,447 hectares Tuesday.

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources says ground crews will continue fire suppression efforts and while two DNR helicopters are on site to assist with transportation and aerial surveillance. Fixed-wing aircraft are available if needed.

Mooseland Road remains closed between civic addresses 2124 and 2890.

The wildfire in the Jacket Lake area was first reported around 7 p.m. last Wednesday.

An evacuation order affecting people in about 100 homes, cottages and cabins was issued around 8 p.m. Thursday for 4315 Mooseland Road to Highway 7.

The evacuation order has since been lifted.

“I know this past week has been incredibly stressful for everyone worried about the wildfires and what they could mean for your home, your family and your community,” said Houston.

“But thankfully, thanks to the amazing work of our incredible first responders, the immediate danger has passed, and families are now returning home safely.”

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Natalie Lombard, CTVNews.ca staff and The Canadian Press

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