Mirabel, Que. — Premier Christine Fréchette warned Monday that the United States could respond to Canada’s pending retaliatory tariffs, potentially escalating a trade dispute at a moment when Quebec is in the midst of a provincial election campaign.
Speaking at a news conference in Mirabel, the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) said Ottawa’s countermeasures are scheduled to take effect the same day and that she would temporarily step away from campaign events to chair a virtual cabinet meeting ahead of the federal measures.
Premier signals caution as measures come into force
Fréchette said she is concerned that a U.S. response to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs could provoke "another round in the trade war," a development she warned could harm Quebec businesses. She indicated the Quebec government had raised concerns with Ottawa about specific elements of the federal response.
"I will temporarily step away from campaigning this evening to chair a virtual cabinet meeting, ahead of the new federal tariff measures."
She said Ottawa adjusted its response after considering Quebec’s requests but declined to provide specifics, saying it was for the federal government to explain the changes. The provincial premier invited the leaders of opposition parties to meet with her after the cabinet meeting to discuss the situation.
Political fallout amid an election campaign
Not all party leaders accepted Fréchette’s invitation. Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime declined, accusing the premier of using the issue as a campaign diversion. Leaders who agreed to meet include Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal.
| Party leader | Response to meeting invitation |
|---|---|
| Éric Duhaime (Conservative) | Declined — accused Fréchette of diversion |
| Charles Milliard (Liberal) | Accepted |
| Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (Parti Québécois) | Accepted |
| Ruba Ghazal (Québec solidaire) | Accepted |
The exchange highlights tensions between provincial and federal responsibilities when trade measures have uneven regional impacts. Fréchette stressed Quebec’s economic interests in discussions with Ottawa.
Federal communication limited in public record
In a letter to Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville, federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne outlined the federal countermeasures but did not specify any additions or adjustments. Fréchette said Ottawa had amended its response after hearing Quebec’s concerns but deferred details to federal officials.
The premier’s caution reflects a concern echoed by the Quebec government that some of Ottawa’s retaliatory measures could have a disproportionate effect on provincial businesses — a point that carries weight during a campaign when voters are attentive to economic anxieties.
What’s at stake for Quebec businesses
While Fréchette did not itemize the elements she said Quebec had urged Ottawa to change, the premier framed the issue as one with practical consequences for local companies. The prospect of U.S. counter-tariffs threatens to complicate cross-border supply chains and raise costs for exporters and importers.
Federal-provincial coordination is likely to be tested in the coming days as Ottawa implements its measures and monitors any U.S. reaction.
- Timing: Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs are set to take effect on the evening of Sept. 7, 2026.
- Provincial action: Premier Fréchette convened a virtual cabinet meeting to discuss Quebec’s response and has invited opposition leaders to consult afterwards.
- Political split: One opposition leader publicly declined to join discussions, calling the move a campaign stunt.
As the measures come into force, Quebecers will watch for further announcements from both Ottawa and Washington. For now, Fréchette has signalled a careful, consultative approach aimed at shielding Quebec businesses from the worst effects of an international trade dispute unfolding during a provincial election.
Geneviève Tremblay is the Quebec correspondent for WE NEWS.
