Singh looking to protect Quebec workers from U.S. tariffs

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was in Montreal Thursday outlining a plan to protect Quebec workers, culture, and language from U.S. tariffs.

“Donald Trump wants to destroy our country and everything we hold dear, and that includes Quebec. The nation of Quebec is one of the prides of Canada, and we must do everything we can to protect it from Trump’s attacks,” said Singh.

“That’s why I vow that negotiations with the United States will never, ever include the rules that protect Quebec’s French language and culture, water, hydroelectricity lumber or supply management.”

Singh wants Canada to implement emergency relief measures for workers like improving employment insurance.

“Let’s not count on this being a short-term thing. We had said from the beginning we need protections in place,” said Singh.

“We need protections in place. Right now workers who might lose their jobs, workers who have already lost their jobs may not have any coverage and the existing coverage is insufficient. So one, it takes too long to get it. There’s too long of a delay.”

He added, “Secondly, the amount of salary compensation doesn’t cover the needs for working people. So the amount that you get should be higher to cover people’s bills. Right now when people lose their jobs, it’s not just losing their job, it means they can’t put food on the table. It might mean they lose their home. They can lose their apartment. We’ve got to stop that from happening.”

Singh is also calling for more investment projects and for parliament to be recalled, as it’s prorogued until March 24.