Trump tariffs: Accused of ‘selling Quebec down the river,’ Legault defends himself
Posted February 13, 2025 11:14 am.
Last Updated February 13, 2025 3:13 pm.
Accused of “selling Quebec down the river,” Quebec Premier François Legault had to defend his negotiating strategies on Thursday in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on Canadian products like aluminum.
He said he would “play hardball” if the Americans play hardball.
On his return from a two-day mission to Washington, he faced criticism from the opposition for making concessions already, but also for threatening reciprocal tariffs on aluminum – something the industry in Quebec takes a dim view of.
On Wednesday, Legault had said he was ready for “a lot of compromises in aeronautics, in forestry, in, perhaps, long-term security on aluminum.”
“He sold us down the river,” said MNA Frédéric Beauchemin during question period.
He called him a “pee wee” who’s already putting both knees to the ground before even starting negotiations, which sent CAQ leader Simon Jolin-Barrette into a tizzy.
“What industry is he going to sacrifice? Aeronautics, our forests, the aluminum smelter?” asked Beauchemin. “Amateur.”
“Forestry, aeronautics, aluminum, he’s ready to bend over backwards to please Trump, he told us so yesterday,” also denounced Québec solidaire (QS) parliamentary leader Ruba Ghazal.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
