Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says ongoing Canada-U.S. tariff negotiations remain concerning, as Ottawa races to reach an agreement with Washington following a three-day delay in the implementation of new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs.
Fréchette said Quebec expects Ottawa to secure reductions in existing tariffs, prevent additional duties and seek changes to the broader trade arrangement governing commerce between Canada and the United States.
“It’s concerning what’s at risk, what’s on the line, because it could lead to very significant economic changes,” Fréchette said Wednesday at the National Assembly.
The premier also reiterated that Quebec has key “red lines” in the negotiations, including the protection of Canada’s supply management system, Quebec culture and the French language. Asked whether she could guarantee those protections had not been compromised, Fréchette said negotiations were still underway.
Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard said the provincial government is prepared to provide assistance to businesses if the trade dispute worsens. He said Quebec has a responsibility to be ready to support companies under more difficult economic scenarios.
International Relations Minister Christopher Skeete was more cautious about predicting the outcome, noting that proposals can be introduced and withdrawn throughout negotiations and that it remains unclear where the federal government will ultimately land.
The comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the planned 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports would be postponed for three days, providing additional time for negotiations.
Trump also raised the proposed Keystone XL pipeline while discussing the possibility of an agreement with Canada.
A White House proclamation announcing the tariff suspension said Canada had committed to addressing measures Washington considers discriminatory toward U.S. businesses and products.
Among the measures identified by the U.S. are provincial restrictions on sales of American alcoholic beverages, Canada’s retaliatory quota on duty-free imports of U.S. vehicles and the supply management system governing the dairy sector.
With those policies now part of the negotiations, the outcome could have significant implications for Quebec, particularly its agricultural and cultural sectors, as Ottawa and Washington work toward an agreement before the temporary tariff reprieve expires.
