‘We must increase our trade with the rest of Canada and yes, we must work towards real free trade between the Canadian provinces,’ said Legault
OTTAWA — Quebec Premier François Legault asked his population to “fight” against the threat of American tariffs and said the whole nation will “have to get involved.”
“The world, our world, is changing,” Legault said in a rare ministerial address on the floor of the National Assembly’s “Salon Rouge” before the emergency debate. “We have to roll up our sleeves. We have to fight and we have to do it together, intelligently, in the Quebec way,” he added before chanting “Vive le Quebec” to a standing ovation from a vast majority of MNAs.
On Monday, President Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that U.S. tariffs were being delayed until next month after Canada presented an acceptable plan to protect its border from illegal immigrants and fentanyl crossings.
The 30-day period is, according to Trump, “to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured.”
The uncertainty created by Trump, Legault added, is already having negative effects on the Canadian economy and on the Quebec economy. “Uncertainty is poison for the economy,” he said.
While Legault reiterated the importance of moving forward with the revision of the free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, which is scheduled for 2026, he also said that his government has “a duty to undertake a major, long-term project to make our economy less dependent on the United States.
“We must increase our trade with the rest of Canada and yes, we must work towards real free trade between the Canadian provinces,” said Legault. The liberal opposition, even though it had sharp criticisms of how the Coalition Avenir Québec government deals with the province’s finances, agreed with the premier.
Indeed, a motion from the Minister of the Economy in favour of a united front against the threat of tariffs, and which argued in favour of an increase in interprovincial trade, was adopted unanimously.
The Conservatives have called on the Liberals to end prorogation and reconvene MPs in Ottawa to debate a national response to potential tariffs that could still be implemented on March 4.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament on Jan. 6 when he announced his resignation. The House of Commons was scheduled to resume on Jan. 27, but will now reconvene on March 24, a few weeks after the Liberals chose a new leader.
“Conservatives have consistently called for Parliament’s immediate return, and continue to do so. All Members of Parliament should call for Parliament’s immediate return, as should all aspiring Liberal leadership contenders,” said Michael Barrett, Conservative shadow minister for ethics.
Conservatives find it “inconceivable” that a “proud” and “strong democracy” should have its federal Parliament closed these circumstances. They argue that MPs should be at work dealing with the crisis, debating and considering responses.
The Liberals say they don’t need to recall parliament and that they have all the tools necessary to deal with the U.S. administration and help Canadians.
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