Days after unsuccessful trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. and the announcement of new tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, Quebec’s provincial party leaders are revealing their strategies in response to the current economic circumstances leading up to the upcoming provincial election this autumn.
Following the breakdown of prolonged trade talks between the two nations, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian products. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a public address, confirmed that retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. will commence on September 8 after rejecting what he deemed a disadvantageous deal.
In light of the escalating trade conflict, each Quebec provincial party leader is outlining their approach to the ongoing trade dispute.
Coalition Avenir Québec:
Premier Christine Fréchette, the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), commended Carney’s decision to halt the tariff negotiations. Her government introduced two new initiatives over the weekend to support businesses in the manufacturing and primary sectors impacted by the escalating trade tensions. One program targets businesses with annual earnings exceeding $2 million that have suffered significant revenue declines due to the U.S. tariffs, while the other aids companies making between $1 million and $2 million annually with loans of up to $150,000 and a 12-month repayment moratorium.
Québec Solidaire:
At a news briefing on Monday, Québec Solidaire (QS) leader Ruba Ghazal proposed a three-part plan to address the current crisis. QS aims to establish a fund called the “Trump Provision,” allocating up to $1 billion annually until 2028 to anticipate future challenges and preserve jobs in affected sectors. Additionally, QS plans to raise Hydro-Québec tariffs as a pressure tactic on the U.S. and introduce a new economic agreement known as the Nouveau Pacte Économique pour le Québec.
Liberal Party of Quebec:
Charles Milliard, leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), emphasized his commitment to forming stronger economic and political alliances with Canadian partners and neighboring provinces if elected. Milliard stressed the importance of including energy discussions in tariff strategies, highlighting Quebec’s leverage with Hydro-Québec for the province’s benefit.
Conservative Party of Quebec:
Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), outlined his anti-tariff plan on Monday, advocating for increased utilization of natural resources, including natural gas, to enhance energy self-sufficiency. Duhaime emphasized the importance of reducing interprovincial trade barriers and criticized the imposition of tariffs on neighboring provinces, noting the detrimental impact on Quebec and Canada’s economies.
Parti Québécois:
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), did not hold a news conference by early Monday afternoon, and his representatives did not respond to CBC’s request for comments. Despite leading in polls, PQ faces challenges as Quebecers show little interest in a referendum, a promise the party made for its first term. St-Pierre Plamondon indicated a plan to consult Quebecers on independence during his initial mandate, but only after Trump’s term concludes in 2029.
