Quebec premier and Bloc leader discuss joint push to ease U.S. tariffs; Carney says Ottawa negotiates alone

Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, whose Parti Québécois took office Oct. 21, met in Quebec City for about an hour and discussed a joint strategy to improve trade relations with the United States. St-Pierre Plamondon said they want to "develop a joint strategy" aimed at "gradually de-escalating tariffs."

Under U.S. tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products, effective August 22, 2026, softwood lumber, aluminum and manufactured goods made in Quebec now cost more to sell into the American market. Canada answered with counter-tariffs on U.S. imports, effective September 8.

The PQ has sent letters to about 60 newly elected officials in U.S. states that trade with Quebec. St-Pierre Plamondon defended them, saying "we have always taken our place, and what I am doing with these letters is consistent with actions taken by previous governments," and that the aim is "in the interest of the people of Quebec." He pointed to the results of the U.S. midterm elections as the basis for the push.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, visiting Montreal, said trade negotiations with the U.S. "fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government." Responding to the letters, he said "in any negotiation, it is always a good idea to have a single negotiator." St-Pierre Plamondon said Carney "would prefer that we not lace up our skates or even step onto the ice, because he wants the rink all to himself."