Quebec premier says Trump’s border security concerns are ‘legitimate’ after tariff threat

Quebec Premier François Legault is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Legault’s concerns stem from the potential devastating effects such tariffs could have on Quebec’s economy, leading to tens of thousands of lost jobs.

During a news conference in Quebec City, Legault emphasized the need for Canada to address Trump’s concerns about border security and illegal drug trade. He acknowledged the legitimacy of Trump’s fears about increased migration at the U.S. northern and southern borders and called for tighter border security measures to prevent such occurrences.

In light of the looming threat of tariffs, Legault proposed that Canada should avoid a tariff war by retaliating with its own tariffs on American goods. Quebec heavily relies on exports to the U.S., with $87 billion worth of exports and $43 billion worth of imports from the country. To protect Quebec’s economy, Legault suggested using strategic industries like electricity and aluminum as negotiation tactics with the U.S.

Furthermore, Legault emphasized the need for Trudeau to increase border security, especially in the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Akwesasne, which straddles three borders. He also called for Quebec to have representation in all trade negotiations with the U.S. moving forward.

Inflation concerns on both sides of the border were also raised, with Quebec’s representative in Washington D.C. highlighting the potential negative impact of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and U.S. consumers. The forestry industry in Quebec, heavily reliant on exports to the U.S., would be severely affected by such tariffs, with potential repercussions for American consumers as well.

Overall, Quebec’s various industries, including aircraft parts, aluminum, mineral fuels, and forestry products, face significant risks if Trump follows through with his tariff threats. It is essential for Canada to take Trump’s warnings seriously and work towards finding diplomatic solutions to protect both Canadian and American economies from the potential fallout of a trade war.