Quebec Demands Clarity on Canada-U.S. Trade Deal as 50% Tariff Threat Nears
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 20
Quebec Demands Clarity on Canada-U.S. Trade Deal as 50% Tariff Threat Nears
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 20
Summary
Christine Fréchette said Canada-U.S. trade talks are "far from over" and wants Prime Minister Mark Carney to clarify whether an emerging deal protects Quebec's dairy and forestry sectors.
The pressure comes as Ottawa and Washington move toward an agreement that could avert threatened 50% U.S. tariffs, with duties on about $20 billion in Canadian imports delayed until 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Quebec also resisted quickly restoring U.S. alcohol to SAQ shelves, even after Carney asked premiers to do so during Wednesday's briefing to address a key U.S. complaint.
That provincial leverage matters because Carney cannot order alcohol sales to resume, and eight of Canada's 10 provinces still restrict or ban U.S. products; Ontario alone previously sold nearly C$1 billion a year.
Fréchette's stance adds election-season pressure ahead of Quebec's October vote, even as other premiers back the talks and Ottawa insists Canada's agriculture sector remains protected.