GUYSBOROUGH — The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) has thrown its full support behind the Nova Scotia government’s push for expanded resource development, calling it a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the province’s economic future.
“Nova Scotia is on the cusp of, and strategically located, to seize opportunities like we have never seen before,” wrote Warden Paul Long in an official response to Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr’s Feb. 11 letter asking local governments to support the provincial government’s renewed commitment “to both a reduction in inter-provincial trade barriers, and to resource development” in Nova Scotia.
“The Municipality of the District of Guysborough applauds and has been encouraging for years the recent direction taken by the Province of Nova Scotia to say ‘yes,’” Long stated in his Feb. 13 reply. “Please accept this letter from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough to confirm the continuation of our support for greater resource development within Nova Scotia and to take the ‘no’ out of Nova Scotia.”
In his letter, Lohr wrote, “Recent events in our world are changing the landscape of our province and country. We are experiencing new fiscal challenges that will have a significant impact on our economy. It is clear we need to become more self-reliant. And, at the same time, we need to better integrate our economy with other Canadian provinces and territories.”
The appeal comes amid an intense national debate over Canada’s response to U.S. tariff threats. With Donald Trump re-elected to the U.S. presidency and already reinstating tariffs on Canadian aluminum and softwood lumber, economic uncertainty is growing. In response, Canadian business leaders and politicians have renewed calls to remove internal trade barriers that have historically restricted the free movement of goods, services and labour between provinces.
Premiers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have led the charge in advocating for a more open domestic market, arguing that Canada must prioritize internal economic strength to counter external pressures. For the Nova Scotia government, this means re-examining regulations that could permit easier trade in energy, manufacturing and natural resources across provincial borders.
Lohr stated: “Our government has recently announced that Nova Scotia must say ‘yes’ to both a reduction in inter-provincial trade barriers, and to resource development within our province. Both steps need to be taken carefully and in consultation with our communities. Resource development, in particular, is of incredible importance.
“If you are supportive and agree, I am asking for you and your council to signal your support for greater resource development within our province – by letter or press release.”
In his reply, Long noted that “with uncertainty creeping into the [everyday lives of] Nova Scotians, the time is now to be bold, unleash our potential and create an economic impact that will sustain generations to come. This impact will not only maintain what we have, but [also] allow us to broaden, build, and bolster our schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, and most importantly, Nova Scotians.”
He added: “Prosperity is an achievable goal, but should not be hindered by regulations that impede sound and safe development opportunities.”
It’s not clear from the correspondence what, or even if “greater resource development” is being contemplated for the MODG. Forestry and fisheries continue to anchor the local economy, with Port Hawkesbury Paper playing a key role in timber processing and the fishing sector maintaining strong regional and export markets. Both industries have faced external pressures – forestry due to shifting global markets and sustainability regulations, and fisheries owing to climate change and evolving federal policies – but they remain essential to the region’s economic fabric.
Most recently, the area has become home to a large number of renewable energy projects, many of which are now at pivotal stages, including EverWind Fuels’ and Simply Blue’s green hydrogen ventures for export.
Long urged a mutually beneficial, consultative tack moving forward. “Progress cannot come with a ‘free for all’ approach, but with considering the thoughts and concerns of our communities, [and] also those of potential developers, investors and the regulatory process.”
In emails last week, neither Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s Warden James Fuller, nor Mulgrave Mayor Ron Chisholm were prepared to comment on Lohr’s letter. “We will be discussing it at [our] March 5 meeting,” Fuller told The Journal. Said Chisholm: “We are going to bring it to council on the 18th of February.”
