Trump Tariffs Spark Worry in Quebec, Separatist Sentiment Hits Historic Low

When U.S. President Donald Trump levied 50% tariffs on Canadian steel in June last year, Quebec's economy took a significant hit.

The Heico Companies, a steel factory in Canada's mostly French-speaking province of Quebec, lost about a third of its orders for bolts and fasteners within a week.

Factory owner David Jeannotte said the company froze hiring, closed a plant in the region, and laid off dozens of people as a result.

This economic turmoil has created anxiety among Quebecers, with some previous slowdowns even boosting support for independence from Canada.

However, polls show that this time around, support for an independent Quebec is at its lowest level in decades, at about 30%.