Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette is warning that the United States could impose additional tariffs on Canadian goods as Ottawa prepares to implement retaliatory measures against American imports.
Speaking in Mirabel on September 7, Fréchette said the U.S. response to Canada’s counter-tariffs could trigger another escalation in the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war. The tariff dispute has also become a major issue in Quebec’s provincial election campaign.
Canada is preparing to introduce new counter-tariffs after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on C$27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods. Ottawa has said its response will match the new U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar on affected products.
The Canadian measures are focused on sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, with the new tariffs scheduled to take effect September 8.
Fréchette’s warning comes as Quebec businesses and industries face continued uncertainty over the future of trade with the United States. The province has significant economic ties with its southern neighbour, leaving exporters vulnerable to further tariff increases and disruptions to cross-border supply chains.
The trade dispute follows the collapse of recent negotiations between Ottawa and Washington. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada remains open to a mutually beneficial agreement but will not accept terms that undermine Canadian sovereignty or key industries.
The escalating dispute has raised concerns among Canadian businesses about higher costs, weaker exports and potential job losses. At the same time, Canadian governments are encouraging companies to diversify their markets and reduce their dependence on the United States.
For Quebec, the trade conflict carries additional political significance as candidates campaign on issues including economic stability, jobs and relations with the United States.
Fréchette’s latest warning underscores the possibility that Canada’s retaliation could lead to another round of U.S. trade measures, further intensifying an economic dispute that has already placed significant pressure on businesses on both sides of the border.
With Canada’s counter-tariffs set to take effect, attention will now turn to Washington’s response and whether the two countries can eventually return to serious negotiations.
Swifteradio.com
