Donald Trump has brought Quebec closer to France, says François Legault in Paris

Donald Trump has done at least one good thing for Quebec: he has brought it closer to France.

This is what Premier of Quebec François Legault suggested after his meeting Friday morning with his French counterpart François Bayrou in Paris, as part of an official visit to France.

Bayrou received Legault at his official residence, the Hôtel de Matignon.

In a press scrum after his 40 minute interview, Legault said that the customs duties imposed by the White House are forcing Quebec companies to focus on the French market, whereas proximity previously favored the American market.

“There is an opportunity. Trump may not only have qualities, but he has just allowed us to say: ‘Well, there, we have no choice but to work more (together), Quebec and France,'” said Legault, near Les Invalides, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower.

Legault had already expressed the wish to double or even triple economic exchanges with France.

Now that Quebec is hit by U.S. tariffs in several sectors, including aluminum, it is becoming “mandatory” to diversify its markets, the premier said, and it is “natural to go to France,” he said.

“Yes, we must double, triple, trade between Quebec and France,” he reiterated.

At the end of the meeting, the two heads of government signed a declaration to, among other things, organize forums for Quebec and French companies.

The goal: to enable them to integrate supply chains in the fields of aeronautics, defence, critical minerals and metals, artificial intelligence, decarbonisation, etc.

The French head of government welcomed Legault in the main courtyard, under a resplendent sun.

The Premier of Quebec is on a four-day economic mission to France.

In particular, he will promote the Quebec aeronautics sector at the Paris Air Show, the major international event for this industry, in the suburbs of Paris.

Legault will also participate in Vivatech, a technology business fair.

Canada is in the spotlight this year at VivaTech and Legault visited its pavilion, which featured a Quebec sign.

He attracted many entrepreneurs and representatives who wanted to shake his hand and talk with him.

Bayrou, 74, is a veteran of French politics. He knows Quebec through his duties as mayor of Pau, but he has never made an official or working visit to Quebec.

Bayrou was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron less than a year ago, in Dec. 2024.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews