Following the landslide re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, Québec Premier François Legault has raised concerns about the impact of a renewed wave of American protectionism on Québec’s economy and social landscape. Legault warns Québecers to expect potentially turbulent years ahead, as Trump's protectionist policies could directly affect Québec’s key industries and economic stability.
One of the major points of concern is Trump’s commitment to impose a 10% tariff on Canadian exports, a measure that threatens to undermine sectors that are vital to Québec's economy, such as lumber, aerospace, agri-food and aluminum. The Premier believes that these tariffs could lead to severe consequences, including widespread job losses in these sectors, which are already navigating global economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. Legault has underscored the significant risk to jobs in these industries, warning that the tariffs could exacerbate vulnerabilities in an economy closely linked to the United States.
In response to these potential challenges, the Québec government has proactively announced the establishment of a Québec-U.S. working group. This task force, which will involve key provincial ministries, aims to assess and respond to the impacts of American protectionist measures on Québec's economy. The group’s mandate will include analyzing the economic effects of U.S. policies, developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts, and seeking ways to ensure Québec’s economic interests remain protected. This inter-ministerial collaboration reflects the Québec government’s determination to navigate through these challenges with a united and strategic approach.
Beyond the economic implications, Premier Legault is also troubled by Trump’s proposed policies on immigration, particularly his vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. In recent years, thousands of migrants fleeing the United States and other countries have crossed into Québec illegally via Roxham Road, straining social services and resources in the province. The Premier is concerned that a repeat of this situation could overwhelm Québec's social systems, adding further pressure to housing, healthcare, and community support services. To address this, Legault’s government intends to urge the federal government to strengthen border security measures and ensure that Québec’s social services are not disproportionately affected by changes in U.S. immigration policy.
Looking toward 2026, Legault is also keenly aware of the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade (CUSMA). The Premier emphasized the importance of Québec’s voice in these critical trade talks, particularly as many sectors in Québec rely heavily on trade with the United States. Legault has called on the federal government to include a Québec representative, chosen by the provincial government, as part of Canada’s negotiation team. He argues that having a Québec delegate would ensure that the province's unique economic priorities, such as protecting jobs in vital industries and maintaining access to the U.S. market, are well represented during the negotiations.
By establishing the Québec-U.S. task force and advocating for a Québec presence in CUSMA negotiations, Legault’s government is sending a strong message that Québec will not be passive in the face of American protectionism. Instead, the province is preparing to actively defend its economic and social interests, ensuring a sustainable path forward even in uncertain times.
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