After unsuccessful trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. and the subsequent threat of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, Quebec’s provincial party leaders are revealing their strategies for the current economic challenges leading up to the upcoming provincial election.

Following the breakdown of trade negotiations, U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce retaliatory tariffs starting on Sept. 8.

Coalition Avenir Québec’s Premier Christine Fréchette supported Carney’s decision to halt negotiations and introduced two financial aid programs to assist businesses affected by the escalating trade war. One program targets businesses with annual revenue exceeding $2 million in sectors impacted by substantial revenue reductions due to the tariffs, while the other aids businesses making $1 to $2 million annually with loans up to $150,000.

Québec Solidaire proposed a $1 billion yearly fund until 2028 to counter future attacks, suggested increasing Hydro-Québec tariffs as leverage against the U.S., and advocated for a new economic agreement.

The Liberal Party of Quebec’s leader Charles Milliard emphasized building stronger alliances with Canadian partners and neighboring provinces, highlighting the province’s bargaining power with Hydro-Québec in trade discussions.

Conservative Party of Quebec’s Éric Duhaime presented an anti-tariff plan focusing on maximizing natural resources, including natural gas, to achieve energy self-sufficiency. He also called for reducing interprovincial trade barriers.

Parti Québécois, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, did not hold a news conference, with the party currently leading in polls despite public reluctance towards a referendum. Plamondon plans to consult Quebecers on independence post-Trump’s term.

As the trade war unfolds, Quebec’s political leaders are swiftly adapting their economic strategies to navigate the challenging trade landscape.