Ahead of Quebec election, here’s how party leaders want to tackle Canada-U.S. trade war

Days after failed Canada-U.S. trade talks and renewed tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, Quebec provincial party leaders are outlining their plans for the current economic situation ahead of the upcoming provincial election this fall.

Fifty per cent U.S. tariffs on about $28 billion worth of Canadian goods came into effect early Saturday after extended trade negotiations between the two countries fell apart. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation on Saturday. After walking away from what he called a “bad deal,” he said retaliatory tariffs will hit the U.S. starting Sept. 8.

Here’s how each Quebec provincial party leader would navigate the ongoing trade war.

WATCH | More on how the leaders are responding:

How Quebec is responding to Trump’s escalating tariffs

The latest escalation in trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. is threatening Quebec’s aluminum, dairy and lumber industries. Premier Christine Fréchette has launched two new financial aid programs to support companies affected.

Coalition Avenir Québec

Premier Christine Fréchette, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), shared her views on the failed tariff negotiations Saturday, saying Carney made the right call to stop the talks.

Over the weekend, her government announced it was implementing two new programs meant to keep afloat the province’s businesses in the manufacturing and primary sectors during the escalating trade war. 

The first will support businesses with yearly revenue of $2 million or more in the manufacturing or primary sectors whose revenue has been significantly reduced by U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent or more.

The other will support those that make $1 million to $2 million a year and are facing financial difficulties due to the tariffs, by offering loans of up to $150,000 with a 12-month moratorium.

Speaking in Lévis, Que., on Monday alongside Carney — who unveiled $11 billion in funding to construct six icebreakers in the province — Fréchette noted that in a world “more unstable than ever,” Quebec and Canada need to be able to build more, develop expertise and reinforce industrial capacity. 

She added her government will not cede to threats.

Québec Solidaire

At a Québec Solidaire (QS) news conference Monday morning, party leader Ruba Ghazal — who is looking to win Montreal’s Mercier riding for a third consecutive election — said the uncertainty caused by Trump since he became president “has become the new normal.”

Presenting a three-pronged plan to the current crisis, QS outlined the party would create a “Trump Provision” — a fund of up to $1 billion a year until 2028, to “anticipate the next attacks and maintain employment in affected companies,” according to a news release issued Monday. 

QS says it would also retaliate by increasing Hydro-Québec tariffs as a pressure tactic on the U.S., and proposes 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), who doesn’t have a seat and is running in Orford in the Eastern Townships, reminded voters of his commitment to building stronger economic and political alliances with Canadian partners and neighbouring provinces, if elected.

Regarding tariff strategy, Milliard said Monday morning at a news conference in Quebec City that energy has to be part of the discussion.

He noted the province has a major bargaining chip with Hydro-Québec that can be used in the best interest of Quebec. 

Conservative Party of Quebec

Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), who is running in the Bellechasse riding in his third attempt to win a seat at the National Assembly, presented his anti-tariff plan Monday. 

He highlighted several measures, including exploiting natural resources even more — including natural gas. 

“The best way to combat Mr. Trump is to be self-sufficient and to become an energy superpower,” he said.  

He also pointed to breaking down interprovincial barriers, pointing to the Ontario government’s steps to reduce trade barriers among the provinces.

“We’re denouncing Trump’s tariffs today, yet we are the worst offenders when it comes to imposing tariffs on our neighbours — when our main economic partner is Canada,” said Duhaime. 

He notes this has immense costs on Quebec and Canada’s economy.

Parti Québécois 

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), did not hold a news conference as of early afternoon on Monday. His representatives did not respond to CBC’s request for comment.

The sovereignist PQ is currently leading in the polls, despite the fact polling shows Quebecers have very little appetite for a referendum — something the party has promised to hold during its first term. 

Trump’s second term is set to end on Jan. 20, 2029.

St-Pierre Plamondon said that, if elected, he would still consult Quebecers on the issue of independence during his first mandate, but only after Trump leaves office.