Quebec Premier François Legault, accompanied by Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Sonia LeBel, President of the Treasury Board, held a press conference at 1 p.m. regarding the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods.

During the conference, François Legault provided an update on the situation and commented on the measures announced by Prime Minister Trudeau. He confirmed that Canada will also impose 25% tariffs on imports from the United States. He also announced the implementation of aid programs for Quebec businesses affected by these measures.

Financial Assistance for Quebec Businesses

Alongside Christine Fréchette, Premier Legault announced the launch of the Frontière program, a financial aid initiative for Quebec businesses impacted by tariffs.

To qualify, companies must generate at least $3 million in revenue, which, according to Christine Fréchette, represents a business with around thirty employees. Eligible businesses must operate in the manufacturing or primary sectors and demonstrate that their revenue has been significantly affected by these new measures.

"The Frontière program aims to provide businesses with rapid financial assistance to address liquidity needs,"explained Christine Fréchette. She added that the goal is to offer temporary support, for a maximum period of twelve months, to help businesses adapt, adjust their business models, and modify their supply chains.

The financial aid will take the form of loans granted to businesses. "The financial assistance provided will take the form of loans with a maximum term of seven years, including a two-year repayment moratorium."

The Productivity Initiative

The Chantier Productivité program aims to support business productivity improvements by offering flexible financial aid. "In addition to loans at advantageous rates, it may exceptionally provide non-repayable contributions for major projects that stand out in terms of productivity," said Ms. Fréchette. She encouraged concerned businesses to visit Quebec.ca/tarifs-douaniers for more information.

A Clear Message

Throughout the press conference, François Legault, along with Ministers LeBel and Fréchette, emphasized the need to reduce Quebec’s economic dependence on the United States. "Now is the time to invest in our infrastructure so we can get through this period, which could be difficult."

The Premier also mentioned that after extensive discussions with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the time had come for provinces to increase trade among themselves. "Doug Ford and I have promised to work on this concretely, industry by industry, sector by sector."

Despite economic uncertainty, François Legault expressed optimism about Quebec’s ability to overcome this crisis. "I’m optimistic that we will get through this crisis better than the rest of Canada."

A Firm Stance

François Legault made it clear that it is essential to respond to the measures imposed by the United States. "The other important thing to do is to respond to Donald Trump. There’s no way he’s going to get away with this while we sit back and do nothing."

The imposition of tariffs on American products has been presented as a necessary step to send a clear message to the U.S. president: Canada will not stand idly by.