Days after unsuccessful trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. and new tariff warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, Quebec provincial leaders are detailing their strategies for the current economic climate leading up to the upcoming provincial election later this year.
Following the breakdown of extended trade talks, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian products, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. starting on September 8.
In response to the escalating trade tensions, each Quebec provincial party leader is addressing the ongoing trade conflict in their own way.
Premier Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) supported Carney’s decision to halt the negotiations and introduced two new financial aid programs to assist businesses affected by the tariffs in the manufacturing and primary sectors.
At a news conference, Québec Solidaire (QS) leader Ruba Ghazal proposed a three-pronged plan, including the creation of a fund to anticipate future attacks by the U.S. and maintain employment in impacted companies. QS also suggested increasing Hydro-Québec tariffs and introducing a new economic agreement.
Charles Milliard, leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), emphasized the importance of building stronger economic and political ties with Canadian partners and neighboring provinces. He highlighted the province’s leverage with Hydro-Québec in trade discussions.
Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), presented an anti-tariff plan focused on maximizing natural resource utilization, particularly natural gas, to enhance energy self-sufficiency. He also advocated for breaking down interprovincial trade barriers.
As for the Parti Québécois (PQ), leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon did not hold a news conference, and the party’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Despite leading in polls, the PQ faces skepticism from Quebecers regarding their promise of a referendum during their first term in office.
The Quebec leaders are navigating the trade war landscape with unique approaches tailored to their respective parties’ priorities and strategies.