Quebec considers increasing aid to businesses after new tariffs

Quebec Premier François Legault speaks at a press conference at the Quebec National Assembly, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

In response to Donald Trump’s new round of tariffs on steel and aluminum, Quebec Premier François Legault is considering increasing aid to support steel and aluminum plants, among others.

“I will speak with Mark Carney tomorrow to see if we can improve liquidity programs, among other things, for large companies,” Legault said at a news conference at the National Assembly Wednesday.

A few months ago, Quebec announced assistance to businesses in the form of loans of up to $50 million.

Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would increase from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

The premier seems to have little hope that the US president can still be “brought to his senses.”

“There was a meeting between (Minister of Canada-U.S. Trade) Dominic LeBlanc and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. It didn’t work. It seems that no one around Mr. Trump is listening. It defies all logic,” he said.

’Good jobs this summer’

The premier took advantage of his press briefing to assert that the rapid adoption of Bill 69, which also aims to give Hydro-Québec free rein to increase its electricity production, will create “good jobs.”

“There are projects on the North Shore, in northern Quebec, in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, in Gaspésie, and in Bas-Saint-Laurent that are ready to go this summer. But the PQ and the Liberal Party want to delay the adoption of Bill 69 until the fall. This would deprive all these regions of good jobs this summer,” Legault said.

For several days now, the government has been laying the groundwork for the adoption of this bill by gag order. On Tuesday, Energy Minister Christine Fréchette argued that its adoption before the summer would save $6 billion on the wind energy strategy.

Opposition parties in Quebec City are against it, saying the legislation is poorly drafted.

Mission to France

The premier also stressed the importance of diversifying Quebec’s economy. He will be on a four-day mission to France from June 13 to 16 to attend the International Paris Air Show.

This “major economic mission,” according to his office, will take him to Paris and Le Bourget.

“On this occasion, the premier will meet with many key players in the business and innovation, aeronautics and aerospace sectors,” Legault’s office said in a statement.

“This mission will position Quebec as a partner of choice in France and other international markets,” the premier’s office added on Wednesday.

As Quebec companies seek new international partners, Legault’s trip will “support Quebec manufacturing companies and associations in their efforts to consolidate and diversify their markets,” the premier’s office said.

The Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Christine Fréchette, will also attend the International Paris Air Show, starting on June 15.

The Paris Air Show in Le Bourget prides itself on being the “largest event in the industry, bringing together players from around the world.”

Some 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries are expected to attend this year’s show, which will take place from 16 to 22 June.

At the last edition, in 2023, the Quebec delegation was led by Pierre Fitzgibbon, who was then Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.

Legault also visited Germany a few months ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French June 4, 2025.

Thomas Laberge and Mathieu Paquette, The Canadian Press