Trump tariffs hit Quebec businesses as Fréchette calls emergency cabinet meeting

Quebec's tariff response centres on what the province can do alone and what it will demand from Ottawa. Premier Christine Fréchette called an emergency cabinet meeting Saturday morning to craft measures supporting affected businesses and workers as Donald Trump's tariffs take effect.

"Quebec will not stand idly by while our businesses are hit hard," Fréchette said. She plans to speak with the federal government and push for relief measures, framing the moment as urgent: Canada and Quebec are in "an economic war against the world's leading power," according to Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard, who said the government has failed to show the leadership needed to build a resilient economy.

The Quebec Employers' Council acknowledged the suspension of trade negotiations as "a major setback for Quebec businesses" hoping for predictability with their main trading partner. Labour groups are watching closely: the CSN union said it will evaluate whatever assistance programs governments propose and push to defend workers hit by the tariffs.

Tariffs are shaping up as a central issue in the election campaign expected to begin very soon. The province has not yet said what specific measures will emerge from Saturday's cabinet session.