As a Canadian I can say while I do think of Halifax as a marinetime province and one heavily invested in it's ports and sea trade industry. I also can in no way find the link between it and venice. Certainly if Halifax were ever to become independent than yes they would be a trade focused nation simply out of both necessity because of their size and convenience because of their resources, but if anything they would probably return to their Gaelic roots (which are still quite deep over there believe me) for language and society structure. They are proud of their 'New Scotland' heritage and even promote it at times. 

This is not to say they wouldn't still be a trade nation, just not a cut and paste 'neo Venice' if you will. Probably something with a slight Scottish tinge to it.