In the wake of the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on all Canadian products crossing its borders, the elected representatives of Vaudreuil-Soulanges were quick to react. 

The MP for Soulanges, Marilyne Picard, acknowledges that the current economic situation is disruptive, but she is trying to remain positive and reassuring. In fact, that's what she'll be doing over the next few days to reassure the people of her constituency. 

‘I don't want people to be anxious about the current situation. It's important to reassure entrepreneurs and workers who could lose their jobs as a result of the measures imposed. As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Seniors, I want to make sure that people are well, both physically and mentally. I'm going to work with the CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest to ensure that we deploy the necessary resources to provide mental health services to people and businesses in need. Men are often more at risk of suicide, and it's important to have the resources to look after our collective mental health,’ she stressed on the other end of the line live from the Quebec Parliament. 

Ms Picard also wants to make sure that business people are aware of the support programmes announced by Premier François Legault at a press briefing on Tuesday March 4th. ‘I want to make sure that Soulanges businesses know which door to knock on if they need help and what options are available to them. Like Investissement Québec, for example.’ 

The elected representative promises to be on the ground for the businesses in her constituency over the coming months. In the Vaudreuil-Soulanges RCM, nearly 160 businesses are affected by this new tariff measure imposed by President Donald Trump. 

An unjustified trade war 

For her part, Marie-Claude Nichols, the independent Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil, points out that ‘a number of businesses in the riding have been directly or indirectly affected by the imposition of tariffs and the announcement of counter-tariffs in retaliation. Supply chains have been weakened, and a number of local businesses in various sectors of our economy are concerned about rising operating costs and slower growth.’ 

The elected representative says that she receives calls and emails at her Vaudreuil-Dorion constituency office, as well as being approached at various events. ‘Of course from business people, but also from residents who are concerned about rising prices at the grocery shop, for example, and worried about the onset of a recession. We're on the ground, working with federal, provincial and regional bodies such as Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV). We are present and active in meetings with the Chamber of Commerce (CCIVS) and the various stakeholders.’ 

As during the pandemic, programmes will be deployed to help businesses deal with this new obstacle. ‘We understand that the provincial government will include measures in its next budget to support businesses in dealing with this new reality, similar to the programmes during the pandemic, and if the pandemic is anything to go by, it is our regional economic arm, DEV, which will be the relay and facilitator in relation to assistance programmes. Affected businesses can contact DEV to find out what type of support is available and to be guided through the process. Citizens are invited to give priority to local purchases. This is an opportunity to change our habits so that we are less dependent on our neighbours to the south.’ 

In closing, Mr Nichols assured the citizens of the Vaudreuil riding that she and her team were doing everything in their power to resolve this issue. ‘This is an unjustified trade war that the United States has unleashed, and as Quebecers and Canadians we must join forces. As the representative for the riding of Vaudreuil, we are doing everything we can to represent and support our constituents, just as we did successfully during the pandemic.’ 

Working together to get through this historic trade war

For her part, Claude DeBelefeuille, Member of Parliament for Salaberry-Suroît, is urging the various authorities to work together. ‘With the implementation of US tariffs, we are entering a period of major economic turbulence. In addition to today's tariffs, other tariffs on agricultural products have been announced for April 4th. We'll need to work together to get through this historic trade war. And one thing's for sure: in Ottawa, the Bloc Québécois will be Quebec's voice in defence of small and medium-sized businesses and their interests.’ 

‘Canada will always defend itself ’ 

Like a number of other political figures, Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, believes that the tariffs imposed are unjustifiable. On his Facebook page, he posted the following statement: 

‘The United States has unjustifiable tariffs on Canadian exports and energy. Canada will not stand idly by. In response, we have adopted 25% tariffs on $155 billion of goods to protect our workers and our economy. The U.S. tariffs will raise costs for American consumers and violate our trade agreements. We urge the U.S. to back down, but make no mistake: Canada will always fight back.’ 

By e-mail, he sent Neomedia the following statement: 

‘U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports are unjustified and hurt workers on both sides of the border. Canada had no choice but to respond. Our countermeasures send a clear message: we will defend our jobs, our businesses and fair trade. US tariffs are driving up costs for American consumers, particularly on gasoline, food and cars. We remain open to a fair resolution, but until the US backs down, Canada will continue to stand up for its workers and businesses.’

Read also: 

- 25% tariffs imposed on Canada as of Tuesday, March 4

 - A first wave of tariffs coming into effect on Tuesday?

- Canada Responds to U.S. Tariffs with Retaliatory Measures

-  All American wines and products to be removed from SAQ shelves