Quebec Premier François Legault is sounding alarm bells over the impact of potential tariffs threatened by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, asserting those tariffs could precipitate dire consequences for the province's economy. During a recent press briefing, Legault expressed his grave concerns about Trump's announcement to impose 25 percent tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if both countries fail to tighten border controls to address illegal immigration and the trafficking of drugs, including fentanyl.
"These tariffs are not just numbers on paper; they signify tens of thousands of lost jobs for Quebec and Canada, so we have to take this very seriously," Legault emphasized. He acknowledged Trump's concerns over rising migration at the U.S. northern and southern borders, calling them "legitimate." According to Legault, Canada must create clear and strong border protection measures to mitigate the fallout from Trump's harsh economic threats.
The expected tariffs could envelop various economic sectors across Quebec, ranging from aeronautics to agriculture, and even electricity exports. Legault noted, "We need to brace ourselves for the potential job losses, especially since Quebec exports approximately $87 billion worth of goods annually to the U.S., to put this in perspective; our imports from the U.S. amount to only $43 billion. Should these tariffs materialize, the job market might take a severe hit, affecting countless families across the province."
He conveyed his frustration with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's current approach, urging him to shift from reactive to proactive measures by securing the border. "We need to get serious about this issue and remove the argument Trump has on the table," Legault stated. He asked for strong and immediate actions now rather than waiting until it might be too late. The Premier wants Canada to present its strategy and potential industry vulnerabilities to the negotiating table to avoid being caught off guard during discussions on trade moving forward.
Legault's administration is not alone in its concerns. The interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ), Marc Tanguay, is rallying for the appointment of a chief negotiator to represent the province's interests directly with the incoming Trump administration. Tanguay stressed the urgency of proactive management, recalling previous examples of seasoned negotiators, such as Raymond Bachand, who effectively dealt with past trade agreements, including NAFTA.
While Legault agrees with Tanguay's calls for strong representation, he remains cautious about retaliatory measures, citing Quebec's economic reliance on U.S. markets. "We must play our cards delicately; we’re at a disadvantage if we don’t approach this carefully," he noted, recognizing the mixed responses from other provinces such as Ontario, where Premier Doug Ford has suggested retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods if Trump pushes his agenda.
The stakes are undeniably high for Quebec, where industries like aluminum and forestry are heavily interconnected with U.S. markets. Nearly 70 percent of Quebec’s exports travel south, making it reliant on favorable trade terms and uninterrupted supply chains. "A combined approach from various sectors and stakeholders is mandatory for us to present our case effectively,» Legault stressed.
Interviews with industry advocates reflect palpable anxiety about how negotiations could evolve. Jean-François Samray, head of the Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec, warned of the detrimental effects of tariffs on softwood lumber, which could diminish the competitiveness of U.S. markets and drive consumer prices up for basic materials. According to Samray, it is imperative to remind the U.S. about Canada's role as a reliable trading partner and the mutual benefits shared, especially considering how interlinked economies have become.
Legault also called on Trudeau to assess which Canadian exports the U.S. relies on, such as electricity and aluminum, to use them strategically during negotiations. The demand for American consumption of resources like Quebec's aluminum is high; 90 percent of aluminum produced is exported to the U.S., making the province vulnerable.
Contemplation of retaliatory tariffs has arisen among politicians, with increasing calls for escalation of trade disputes, yet some experts argue this may lead to insurmountable consequences for consumers on both sides. Julie White, spokesperson for Manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec, voiced her belief about the inevitable job losses resulting from proposed tariffs, reminding everyone about the reality faced by those who depend on manufacturing jobs.
Benjamin Bélair, Quebec's representative situated within the Washington D.C. office, echoed his confidence about Canada being able to convince Trump of its reliability as an ally. "What we want to prove is our alliance with the U.S.; we can help meet his economic goals without suffering severe blowback ourselves. We need to establish dialogue, not fear-based reactions," Bélair opined.
Legault's vision includes direct and tactical engagement during the forthcoming negotiations. He insists it is not the time for Canada to panic but rather prepare adequately for what is clearly gearing up to be complex and sensitive discussions concerning trade and tariffs involving two neighboring nations. With less than two months to the inauguration date, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting for Canadian officials to handle this potential economic crisis with care.
The provincial government understands the urgency of the situation, insisting culture and diplomacy should extend beyond just Canadian federal representatives. To bolster this strategy, Legault continues to advocate for Quebec's proactive measures, hoping to avoid trailing behind as discussions about the looming trade shifts take root.
During his discussions, Legault emphasized the need for Quebec to maintain representation at the table for future negotiations, arguing for active involvement rather than passive observation. "It's imperative we establish our positions early and clearly. We cannot afford to be marginalized, nor can we allow our industries to suffer as leverage on behalf of U.S. politics,” Legault concluded with determination.
For many Quebecers, uncertainty looms large, but the call for collaborative efforts provides hope for some level of stability. The coming months will be pivotal for all involved as the potential ramifications of Trump’s threats begin to crystallize.
