News release

Premier’s First International Mission to Advance Nova Scotia Interests in United States

Protocol Office

Premier Tim Houston is going to the United States to meet with government, trade and business leaders as part of his first international trade and economic mission.

The Premier will attend meetings in Washington, D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts, from November 30 to December 2.

“Given our strong ties to the United States and the strength of our cultural and trade links, it makes strategic sense that my first international trade and economic mission is to the U.S.,” said Premier Houston. “I want Nova Scotians to have confidence that our government is pursuing opportunities and establishing relationships with our American trading partners. I also look forward to discussing shared priorities like tourism, trade and investment that will benefit our provincial economy and Nova Scotia businesses. I believe there is untapped potential in these markets for more Nova Scotia companies to drive growth and innovation.”

Quick Facts:

  • Nova Scotia exported $3.8 billion in goods to the United States in 2019. Trade with the U.S. supports 26,700 Nova Scotian jobs
  • Nova Scotia exports about 400,000 Christmas trees to the United States each year, making Christmas trees the province’s fourth largest agricultural export
  • the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia donates a tree every year to the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. as a symbol of the province’s friendship and long-standing relationship with the United States. This year’s tree is a balsam fir tree donated by DeLong Farms in New Germany, Lunenburg County
  • the Tree for Boston is the province's annual thank-you gift to the people of Boston for their immediate medical aid and relief supplies following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. This year’s tree was donated by L’Arche Cape Breton, a non-profit organization that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities
  • the mission delegation includes Premier Houston; Nicole LaFosse-Parker, Chief of Staff to the Premier; Kelliann Dean, Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs; and Darryl Eisan, Director of Canada-United States Relations, Intergovernmental Affairs. Staff from Nova Scotia Business Inc. and the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage will join the mission in Boston

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