What was supposed to be the start of Premier Tim Houston’s speaking tour to chambers of commerce across Nova Scotia ended up with him requiring a police escort.

Houston was in Wolfville, N.S., on Wednesday where he was addressing the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce at Acadia University about his vision for the province’s economy.

When Houston first arrived at the university, about 50 peaceful protesters were standing outside, mostly looking to draw attention to concerns about the potential closure of five libraries in the Annapolis Valley.

However, throughout Houston’s speech, the crowd outside grew louder with an increasing number of people protesting about a variety of issues, including the ability for Mi’kmaq to regulate their own cannabis sales, the province’s plan to promote fracking and mining, and the need to observe treaty rights.

When Houston left the building, the vehicle he got into was surrounded.

At one point, someone climbed on top of the SUV, while others stood in front of it, attempting to halt the vehicle. After it slowly advanced for about 20 metres with people in front of it, the SUV came to a stop. Several people sat in front of and behind the vehicle. The windshield was smashed in the process.

Houston remained inside for several minutes, with members of his security detail and other police standing between the vehicle and protesters until officers ultimately escorted him out and back into the building.

Houston left the campus in a marked RCMP vehicle.

A number of police cars responded to the incident, but had left the scene around 2:30 p.m. AT as the crowd dispersed.

WATCH | Premier Tim Houston reacts to Wolfville protest:

RCMP told CBC News no injuries were reported. Police said one man was arrested and later released without charges, adding their investigation is ongoing.

Later in the afternoon, Houston’s office released a statement addressing the incident.

“While we always respect the right of the public to peacefully protest, what happened after the event was the farthest thing from peaceful,” the statement read.

Houston thanked RCMP and law enforcement and said that although he’s willing to engage with anyone, events like what happened on Wednesday “do nothing to advance constructive dialogue.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Wednesday’s events in a social media post.

“In Canada, we have the right to protest peacefully,” Carney posted on X. “There is no excuse to resort to violence and intimidation.”

NDP Leader Claudia Chender, the leader of the province’s Official Opposition, urged Nova Scotians to let their voices be heard “in a safe and respectful way.”

“Nova Scotians have significant and valid concerns with this government’s budget and decision-making, but destruction of property and threats to personal safety are never the best way forward,” Chender said in a statement.

The event Houston was scheduled to attend after the chamber of commerce event went ahead without him.

The second stop on his chamber of commerce tour is scheduled for Thursday in Yarmouth, N.S.

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