Commonwealth_ Premier François Legault has expressed deep concern over President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, calling it a “huge risk” to both Quebec and the broader Canadian economy. Legault’s remarks, made on social media shortly after Trump’s declaration, reflect the gravity of the situation for Quebec, which heavily relies on exports to the United States. Trump’s proposal, shared through social media, emphasized his intention to sign an executive order on his first day in office, January 20, to impose these tariffs. He justified the move by citing concerns about illegal immigration and the trafficking of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, across the U.S. border. In his post, Trump stated, “We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”
Economic Implications for Quebec
Quebec’s economy could be particularly vulnerable to such a sweeping tariff. The province exports significant quantities of aircraft, mineral fuels, and metals to the United States, which accounted for $7 billion in exports in August 2024 alone. Legault underscored that avoiding these tariffs must be a top priority, given their potential to disrupt the province’s economy.
“This promise from President-elect Donald Trump poses an enormous risk to the Quebec and Canadian economies. We must do everything possible to avoid 25% tariffs on all products exported to the United States,” Legault posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Legault also reached out to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasizing the need for federal leadership to address border integrity and mitigate the potential fallout. “Border integrity must be the federal government’s priority. I offer the full cooperation of the Quebec government to Prime Minister Trudeau,” he added.
Collaboration and Federal Action
Legault’s press secretary confirmed that the premier and Trudeau discussed the matter, with the premier urging swift and decisive action. The two leaders are expected to work closely to address the impending trade crisis and its implications for cross-border economic activity. Legault’s concerns are not isolated. Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed the alarm, warning that the tariffs would be devastating for workers and businesses on both sides of the border. “The federal government needs to take the situation at our border seriously,” Ford said.
The premiers of Canada have collectively called for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the incoming Trump administration’s trade and immigration policies. Ford, who chairs the Council of the Federation, emphasized the need to address not just border security but also the stability of cross-border supply chains and trade relationships.
Quebec’s additional concerns about immigration
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Trump’s campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., which could lead to increased migration pressures at the Canadian border. Quebec, which has already experienced significant numbers of asylum seekers, may find itself unprepared for another wave of migrants. Legault previously met with his Quebec-U.S. ministerial working group to discuss this issue, reiterating that the province cannot handle a substantial influx of new arrivals.
Broader Implications
The threat of tariffs coincides with the close intertwining of Canadian and U.S. economic ties. Any significant disruption could ripple through industries, affecting jobs, investments, and trade relations. The proposed 25% tariff would severely strain industries such as aerospace and natural resources, which are pivotal to Quebec’s economy. The swift reactions from Canadian leaders reflect the high stakes involved. As Trump prepares to take office, Canada faces mounting pressure to protect its economic interests while navigating a potentially adversarial relationship with its largest trading partner. Legault’s firm stance signals that Quebec is prepared to collaborate with federal authorities to mitigate these risks. As discussions progress, the province and the country as a whole will need to advocate for fair trade policies to ensure the continued prosperity
