Carney Rejects US Trade Deal Over Quebec French Rights as Trump Threatens New 2027 Auto Tariffs
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
Carney Rejects US Trade Deal Over Quebec French Rights as Trump Threatens New 2027 Auto Tariffs
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
Summary
Carney said Canada walked away from U.S. trade talks because a proposed deal would weaken Quebec’s French-language protections, calling those protections rights rather than bargaining chips.
5% of Canada’s exports to the U.S. were hit by tariffs that took effect over the weekend, and Ottawa said it will retaliate in early September.
Trump escalated the dispute Monday, accusing Canada of “ripping off” the U.S. and vowing higher tariffs on cars, trucks, auto parts and steel from Jan. 1.
Quebec leaders backed Carney, saying language and culture crossed a red line, while businesses warned the province has been the hardest hit since the trade war began.
The clash has widened into a broader political rupture: U.S. trade chief Jamieson Greer denied French protections were at issue, but Carney said the gap in positions was enormous.