Days following the breakdown of trade discussions between Canada and the U.S., and the subsequent threat of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, Quebec provincial party leaders are revealing their strategies in response to the current economic challenges ahead of the upcoming provincial election later this year.
A 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods from the U.S. took effect recently, following unsuccessful trade negotiations. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. starting on September 8, after rejecting what he described as an unfavorable deal.
Here is how each Quebec provincial party leader plans to navigate the ongoing trade conflict:
Coalition Avenir Québec:
Premier Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) supported Carney’s decision to halt the tariff talks. Her government introduced two programs to aid businesses in the manufacturing and primary sectors impacted by the escalating trade tensions. One program supports businesses with annual revenue over $2 million affected by the tariffs, while the other offers loans of up to $150,000 with a 12-month moratorium for businesses earning $1 million to $2 million annually.
Québec Solidaire:
At a news conference, party leader Ruba Ghazal proposed a $1 billion annual fund called the “Trump Provision” to anticipate future trade challenges and maintain jobs in affected companies. The party also suggested increasing Hydro-Québec tariffs as a pressure tactic on the U.S. and introducing a new economic agreement, the Nouveau Pacte Économique pour le Québec.
Liberal Party of Quebec:
Charles Milliard, leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), emphasized building stronger economic and political alliances with Canadian partners if elected. He highlighted the importance of including energy in tariff discussions, pointing to Hydro-Québec as a significant asset for Quebec’s benefit.
Conservative Party of Quebec:
Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), proposed measures to enhance natural resource utilization, particularly natural gas, to achieve energy self-sufficiency and become an energy powerhouse. He also advocated for reducing interprovincial trade barriers to stimulate economic growth.
Parti Québécois:
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), did not hold a news conference by Monday afternoon. The PQ, a sovereignist party leading in the polls, has promised a referendum during its first term, even though public support for a referendum is low. St-Pierre Plamondon intends to consult Quebecers on independence following Trump’s departure from office in 2029.
The escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. pose a threat to Quebec’s aluminum, dairy, and lumber industries. Premier Christine Fréchette has initiated financial aid programs to assist affected companies amid the trade dispute.
