Quebec Prepares to Weather Trade Storm

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette announced new measures to help the province cope with trade tensions. The measures aim to encourage Quebecers and municipalities to buy more locally made products, reducing reliance on American businesses.

The measures include giving Quebec-based companies an advantage in public tenders, which will affect $1.5 billion in contracts over the next four months. Fréchette said this will help protect jobs, the economy, and workers.

Fréchette warned that difficult times are ahead and described US President Donald Trump as a bully. She said Quebec will 'use every tool available' to support local businesses, but acknowledged that further retaliation from the US is possible.

The premier also noted that American businesses represent under 10% of public contract bidders, and that federal rebates should neutralize the counter-tariff burden on Canadian businesses. She called on the federal government to make reimbursement processes efficient, fast, and easy to navigate.