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The Economy

Question period focused on the economy, specifically the impact of new American tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other products. Bloc Québécois members said Quebec businesses are closing and workers are losing jobs — citing a furniture plant closure affecting 126 jobs — and pressed the government for wage subsidies, help for the forestry sector, and changes to employment insurance. Mélanie Joly, responding for the government, said the government disagrees with the new American tariff interpretation, has been in contact with manufacturers in Quebec and across the country as well as Quebec’s premier, and will continue supporting Canadian businesses and workers through the trade dispute.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

6 statements

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“American tariffs on steel and aluminum hurt Quebec businesses and workers. The Prime Minister is not fixing this. When will the government help pay workers' wages so they do not lose their jobs?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, not only is the Prime Minister not getting any relief from the Trump administration with the tariff crisis, but, with tomorrow marking a year since he took office, the situation is worse now than it was at the outset. The way the new U.S. tariffs are calculated is a direct attack on our economy. By taxing all products containing steel or aluminum based on their full value, Washington is disproportionately targeting Quebec and our SMEs. Our workers and businesses do not have time to wait for a saviour. When will a wage subsidy be introduced to prevent layoffs?

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Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“I completely disagree with the new American tariffs. We have talked to manufacturers across the country, and we will support Canadian businesses and workers.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 47 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is correct. We completely disagree with the White House’s new interpretation of tariffs. We have held numerous discussions with the manufacturing sector in Quebec and across the country. That is precisely why we will be there to support our business leaders and workers across the country.

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Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois

Linked statement

“The situation with Donald Trump is getting worse. The Prime Minister must help Quebec's economy by funding wage subsidies, supporting the forestry sector against U.S. tariffs, and fixing employment insurance.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, since the Prime Minister was elected a year ago tomorrow, the situation with Donald Trump has not improved. It is getting worse. That is why, tomorrow, the Prime Minister has to make good on the empty promises he has been making for a year now and come to the aid of Quebec’s economy. That is why we need a wage subsidy to prevent a wave of layoffs. That is why there needs to be support for our forestry industry in the face of the illegal U.S. tariffs. That is why the idea of EI reform must be revived. Will the Prime Minister finally rise to the occasion tomorrow?

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Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“The Premier of Quebec is in Washington, and we will work with her. The Prime Minister and I both spoke with her. We support Quebec businesses and will do more to stand up for workers there.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 39 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, first, we know that the Premier of Quebec is in Washington today. Of course we will work with her, knowing that she will stand up for Quebec’s businesses and workers. I had the opportunity to speak with her, and so did the Prime Minister. We will be there for our businesses. We already have various ways of supporting our businesses with their investments, but we will do more. It will be our pleasure to work with my colleague to ensure that we stand up for workers in Quebec.

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Gabriel Ste-Marie

Bloc Québécois
“New tariffs are hurting businesses across Quebec, and people are losing their jobs. I want the government to announce a wage subsidy to stop more layoffs.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, jobs must be saved. It is time for Ottawa to recognize how serious the situation is with the new tariff calculation. South Shore Furniture announced this morning that it is closing. This means 126 jobs will be lost in Sainte‑Croix and Coaticook. Cyrell AMP in Beloeil has had to raise its prices by 50% because of the tariffs. In Joliette, the small business Liard Industries has to pay five times more in excessive tariffs than before. Everyone in every region is struggling, including ADF in Terrebonne and Max Atlas in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Will Ottawa announce a wage subsidy tomorrow to prevent layoffs?

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Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“I have spoken with business leaders and know that new tariffs are hurting our businesses and workers. Our government has supported Canadians during this trade dispute and will keep supporting them.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have been in touch with the president of ADF in Terrebonne. I have been in touch with Max Atlas. I have also been in touch with the CEO of BRP. As a result, we have a great deal of information about the reality facing businesses right now. We are well aware that the change in the tariff calculation is having a negative impact on our businesses and our workers. We have been there for Canadians since the tariff war began. We will continue to be there, and we will be there tomorrow as well.

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