OTTAWA — Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet has cautioned Canada against threatening to cut oil or electricity exports to the United States in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. Blanchet warned that such a move could backfire, leaving Canada at a disadvantage in future energy trade negotiations.
Blanchet’s stance contrasts sharply with that of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and most provincial leaders, including Quebec Premier François Legault, who have maintained that all options should remain on the table during negotiations with the Trump administration.
In an interview with The Canadian Press on Monday, Blanchet advocated for retaliatory counter-tariffs as a more effective response, calling the idea of cutting energy exports “absurd.” He emphasized that if the U.S. were to replace Canadian energy imports with alternative sources, Canada’s leverage would be significantly weakened in future trade talks.
Blanchet’s position echoes that of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has similarly dismissed the idea of halting energy exports to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable trade relations.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters on Monday that he is considering imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods starting Feb. 1, escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
