The failure of trade negotiations between Canada and the United States has unsettled the political scene in Quebec.
Noting the entry into effect of the new tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette lamented that the United States “has once again chosen confrontation.”
Fréchette announced a meeting of her cabinet to be held Saturday morning to implement the necessary measures to support the businesses and workers who will be affected.
“Quebec will not stand idly by while our businesses are hit hard,” Fréchette said. “I will also speak with the federal government and ask that relief measures be put in place.”
Tariffs are expected to play a major role in the upcoming election campaign, which will begin very soon.
Quebec politicians are already aware of this.
As a result, Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard has jumped right into the electoral fray.
In a statement posted on social media, Milliard asserted that Quebecers need a government and a premier who have credibility and understand current economic realities.
“This is not the time to re-elect a government at the end of its term, one that has failed to show the leadership needed to build a more resilient economy and is unable to obtain the necessary information from our Canadian partners in the context of the current negotiations,” he said. “We are in an economic war against the world’s leading power.”
While praising the Canadian government’s “firm stance,” the Quebec Employers’ Council said it viewed the suspension of trade negotiations between Canada and the United States “with concern.”
“This is a major setback for Quebec businesses that were hoping to finally regain a modicum of predictability in their trade with our main trading partner,” acknowledged Michelle LLambías Meunier, president and CEO of the organization.
On the labour side, the CSN says it will closely monitor the assistance programs that governments propose to help workers affected by the imposition of new tariffs.
“The CSN will evaluate the assistance plans for businesses and workers that Prime Minister Carney and Premier Fréchette intend to present, and will make every effort necessary to defend and protect the workers affected by these new tariffs,” said Caroline Senneville.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
