Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has announced she will temporarily suspend her election campaign to convene a special virtual cabinet meeting on Monday evening. This decision comes just one day before Canada's retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of U. S. goods are scheduled to be implemented. The meeting, a rare occurrence during an election campaign, underscores the seriousness of the escalating trade dispute between Canada and the United States.
The new Canadian tariffs, set to range from 15 to 50 per cent, will affect products including dairy, steel, copper, and certain beauty products. These measures are a direct response to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by U. S. President Donald Trump on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, impacting items from hockey sticks to honey. The tariffs are designed to match the U. S. rates dollar for dollar.
Fréchette's opponents have suggested the timing of the cabinet meeting is politically motivated, accusing her of using the tariff dispute for electoral gain. However, the federal government has emphasized the need for a unified "Team Canada" approach in responding to the trade actions. This situation echoes previous trade tensions, with Prime Minister Mark Carney having also paused his campaign during the 2025 federal election to address similar tariff disputes. The economic implications of these tariffs are significant, particularly for sectors like steel, where Canada sourced a substantial portion of its imports from the U. S.. The government has also announced a $7.5 billion support package for Canadian workers and businesses impacted by the new U. S. tariffs.
