Hit by Trump tariffs, Quebec loses appetite for quick separation from Canada

Quebec's economy is projected to expand by roughly 1% this year, according to the Bank of Montreal. In June 2020, US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian steel, which caused significant disruption to a steel factory in Quebec. The factory, owned by Heico Companies, saw a third of its orders for bolts and fasteners disappear within a week, leading to 140 layoffs, mostly in the province.

The factory's troubles indicate a broader unease over the impact of Trump's trade war on Quebec, which is set to hold a provincial election by October 5. However, support for Quebec's independence has plummeted to its lowest level in decades, at around 30%. David Jeannotte, an operations director at the factory, stated that he doesn't believe the issue of independence should be discussed as long as Trump remains in office.

Many in the region share his sentiment, arguing that the threat Trump poses to Canada necessitates staying within the country to preserve Quebec's unique French culture. The separatist Parti Quebecois, currently leading in provincial election polls, has vowed not to call for another independence referendum while Trump is president, acknowledging the decline in support for independence.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, a Liberal, vowed that the decision on Quebec's political fate "must not be hijacked by the upheaval of American politics" or the president's unpredictable actions. Quebec's opposition to Trump's tariffs and threats of annexation has been stronger than in any other Canadian province, with only 10% of Quebecers holding a favorable view of the president, according to a recent Angus Reid poll.