Bloc Québécois’ Blanchet prefers Trudeau’s collaborative style to Carney’s

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet prefers Justin Trudeau’s collaborative style to that of his successor, Mark Carney.

Blanchet criticized the new prime minister on Wednesday for not having contacted him, particularly regarding the ongoing trade war with the United States.

The Bloc leader is still waiting for an initial phone call from Carney, whereas Trudeau, when he was in power, sometimes contacted Blanchet to discuss projects and issues.

Blanchet would like to speak with Carney to agree on a coherent and unified response to the threat of U.S. tariffs, which could materialize this Wednesday.

On this issue, the Bloc has also presented solutions to help the softwood lumber industry, which could be hit hard by tariffs.

The party is calling for the federal government to adopt a Wood Charter, similar to what has been in place in Quebec since 2013.

This charter would require the government to prioritize the use of wood products in building construction and renovations.

A law was passed in October 2023, but according to the Bloc, it lacks sufficient scope. Under the current law, the minister “may authorize the use of wood or any other material.”

In the context of the current trade war with the United States, Quebec wood producers are losing their main market, and according to the Bloc, to compensate, the use of wood in the local market must be encouraged.

The Bloc leader made his announcement at the Cedrico lumber mill in Causapscal, in the Matapedia Valley.

This factory, like so many others in Quebec, would be affected by the announcement Wednesday of 25 per cent tariffs by the American administration.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews