HALIFAX — Premier Tim Houston is defending his government’s crackdown on cannabis dispensaries, despite widespread and escalating criticism, saying he is concerned about the illegal market.

The premier says illegal cannabis is a public health risk and may be tied to organized crime and human trafficking.

His government’s order last week to ramp up cannabis enforcement has prompted criticism that his cabinet may be interfering with law enforcement to target First Nations communities.

Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow has called the province’s directive appalling, and says the premier, justice minister and minister of L’nu affairs are banned from band lands.

A number of critics have raised concerns about the directive including the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, the former minister of justice and attorney general, several First Nations members, two legal experts and opposition leaders.

Justice Minister Scott Armstrong triggered the widespread opposition when he unveiled the directive last week, calling on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks.

That same day, he wrote to 13 Mi’kmaq chiefs requesting their co-operation as they tackle illegal cannabis sales, and rejected the requests of some chiefs to work with the province to set up their own cannabis retail systems.

Provincial law strictly controls the sale of cannabis, which is done through 51 Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. outlets across the province — one of which is on a First Nations reserve.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.

The Canadian Press