François Legault on Trump, Harris: Either way, U.S. gives off protectionist vibes

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QUEBEC — Premier François Legault says he is very concerned about the outcome of the U.S. election and possible consequences on Canadian and Quebec trade.

Insisting he is not taking sides for either the Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump, or the Democrats’ candidate, Kamala Harris, Legault said both parties have adopted protectionist trade policies that could wind up hurting Quebec’s interests.

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He announced he will travel to Washington, D.C., in 2025 to ensure Quebec’s voice is heard by state governors, mayors and the presidents of companies Quebec does business with.

“It’s disturbing for the whole Canadian economy,” Legault told reporters Tuesday while arriving at the legislature. “It’s fundamental for Canada, for Quebec. We export 70 per cent of our products to the United States.

“It is the only country with which we have a trade surplus, so it could be very damaging for all the Canadian economy.”

Legault ran down the list of sectors and products that could be affected by new U.S. trade tariffs or barriers, including forestry, aluminum and electric batteries — which Quebec has invested in heavily via the Northvolt project and others.

The Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade agreement is also up for renewal in 2026, Legault said.

“So, it’s scary for all the Canadian economy,” he said. “I’ll make a trip to Washington at the beginning of 2025. We have to explain to them the importance of relations between companies in Canada, Quebec and the United States.”

Legault said he is not taking sides in the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

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“There’s a lot of protectionism from both candidates,” he said. “I would not like the Americans to meddle in our elections, so I will not meddle in the American elections.”

In 2023, the United States was Quebec’s top export destination, totalling $87.2 billion.

On another subject, Legault sounded enthusiastic at fresh reports the federal government will go ahead with a high-speed rail service between Quebec City and Toronto.

“It’s excellent news for the people of Quebec, Trois-Rivières and Montreal,” he said. “We will be able to travel rapidly between Quebec and Toronto.”

Asked if Quebec would be willing to invest any money in such a costly project, Legault was clear.

“For the moment, it’s the federal government that has to put up the money,” he said.

Radio-Canada reported Monday that the Trudeau government will announce the plan in the coming weeks.

Promoters of the project say such a train, which would be a first in Canada, would allow passengers to travel between Montreal and Toronto in three hours.

The high-speed train would travel at 300 kilometres an hour, double the speed of the current Via Rail trains.

pauthier@postmedia.com

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