The topic of U.S. tariffs takes center stage in Quebec’s election campaign, as Premier Christine Fréchette warns of potential retaliation from the Trump administration.
During a press conference in Mirabel today, the CAQ leader expressed concerns that a U.S. response to Canadian counter-tariffs, set to go into effect tonight, could escalate the ongoing trade dispute.
Fréchette announced that she will temporarily pause her campaign activities this evening to lead a virtual cabinet meeting in preparation for the new federal tariff actions.
The Quebec government had previously voiced worries that Ottawa’s retaliatory measures might negatively impact Quebec businesses. Fréchette indicated that Ottawa has made adjustments to its response based on Quebec’s feedback, although specific details were not disclosed, with Fréchette deferring to the federal government for further explanation.
Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne communicated Ottawa’s countermeasures in a letter to Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville, without mentioning any new additions or modifications.
Following the cabinet meeting, Fréchette extended an invitation to opposition party leaders for discussions. While Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime declined the invitation, labeling it a campaign distraction, Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, and Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal accepted the invitation.
