Quebec Premier warns of further U.S. retaliation as Canadian countertariffs loom

U.S. tariffs remain a focus of Quebec’s election campaign, with Premier Christine Fréchette warning of further retaliation from the Trump administration.

Speaking at a news conference in Mirabel earlier today, the CAQ leader says a U.S. response to Canadian counter-tariffs set to take effect this evening could trigger another round in the trade war.

Fréchette says she will temporarily step away from campaigning this evening to chair a virtual cabinet meeting, ahead of the new federal tariff measures.

The Quebec government had raised concerns that some of Ottawa’s retaliatory measures could hurt Quebec businesses.

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Fréchette says Ottawa adjusted its response after considering Quebec’s requests, but declined to provide details, saying she would leave it to the federal government to explain the changes.

In a letter to Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville, federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne outlined Ottawa’s countermeasures but did not mention any additions or adjustments.

Fréchette has invited opposition party leaders to meet with her after the cabinet meeting.

Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime has declined the invitation, accusing Fréchette of using the issue as a campaign diversion, while Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal have agreed to attend.