Quebec premier campaigns on stability as trade war with U.S. escalates

Premier Christine Fréchette launched the Coalition Avenir Québec's election campaign Thursday, August 27, positioning herself and her government as a stabilizing force amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.

When asked by reporters to identify her opponent at the campaign launch in Quebec City, Fréchette did not name another provincial party leader. Instead, she pointed south: "My opponent is Donald Trump; he is the real opponent. He is the one who truly threatens Quebec and Quebecers."

She was referring to U.S. President Trump's threats of new tariffs following Canada's withdrawal from negotiations for renewal of the current free trade agreement. "I am asking you for a mandate to move forward through the storm," Fréchette said, surrounded by numerous CAQ ministers and candidates.

Fréchette argued that she and her team possessed the experience and qualifications necessary to confront Trump administration provocations. "I think we're a safe bet. We're the team that best aligns with Quebecers' priorities," she told reporters.

She asserted that the PQ, which is leading in polls, would only work "part-time" for Quebecers, devoting most of its energy to planning a referendum on sovereignty. She also criticized the Parti conservateur du Quebec, saying it "wants nothing less than to take a chainsaw to the government" by seeking to make $47 billion in cuts.

The election will be held October 5.