Days after unsuccessful trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. and new tariff warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, leaders of Quebec provincial parties are revealing their strategies for the current economic environment before the upcoming provincial election this autumn. The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian products following the breakdown of extended trade talks between the two nations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. starting on September 8 after walking away from what he deemed a disadvantageous deal. The Quebec provincial party leaders are now outlining their approaches to the ongoing trade conflict.
Premier Christine Fréchette of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) commended Carney’s decision to halt the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of supporting Quebec businesses affected by the escalating trade tensions. The CAQ government introduced two new programs to aid companies in the manufacturing and primary sectors impacted by the U.S. tariffs.
At a press conference, Québec Solidaire (QS) leader Ruba Ghazal proposed a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, including establishing a fund to safeguard jobs in affected firms and increasing Hydro-Québec tariffs as a pressure tactic on the U.S. QS also suggested a new economic agreement, the Nouveau Pacte Économique pour le Québec.
Charles Milliard, the leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), emphasized the necessity of strengthening economic and political alliances with Canadian partners and neighboring provinces if elected. He stressed the significance of including energy discussions in the tariff strategy, utilizing Quebec’s leverage with Hydro-Québec for the province’s benefit.
Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), presented an anti-tariff plan focusing on maximizing natural resources, particularly natural gas, to enhance energy self-sufficiency. He highlighted the importance of reducing interprovincial trade barriers to improve economic relationships among provinces.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), did not hold a news conference by Monday afternoon, with his representatives declining to comment. Despite leading in the polls, the PQ faces challenges as Quebecers show limited interest in a referendum, a promise the party made for its initial term in office. St-Pierre Plamondon indicated plans to consult Quebecers on independence during his first mandate, but only after Trump’s tenure ends in 2029.