Christine Fréchette, the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), announced a temporary break from the election campaign on Sunday. Reports revealed that she will be resuming her duties as premier, scheduling a special cabinet meeting for Monday. The Canadian Press has confirmed the holding of this rare cabinet meeting, happening on the eve of the implementation of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products by Canada.
These tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, will target various items like dairy products, steel, copper, and beauty products. The decision to impose these tariffs comes in response to the steep surcharges imposed by Donald Trump on Canadian goods worth $28 billion.
In reaction to this development, other party leaders also voiced their opinions. Charles Milliard of the Quebec Liberal Party criticized the government’s handling of the tariff situation, describing it as improvisation rather than preparation. On the other hand, Conservative leader Éric Duhaime labeled the cabinet meeting as a marketing ploy to divert attention from the CAQ’s performance.
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the need for informed decision-making and the importance of economic strategy over fear tactics. He stressed the significance of maintaining Quebec’s economic interests amidst potential U.S. retaliation. Meanwhile, QS spokesperson Ruba Ghazal highlighted the importance of worker welfare in the midst of these tariff discussions.
