“The government's new plan will not help small businesses hit by U.S. tariffs. Businesses are already in debt and need direct cash to survive, not more loans. Will the government make a better plan?”

“Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have obviously understood that overlooking our businesses and the tariff crisis as they did in their economic update was outrageous. Unfortunately, today’s announcement seems improvised. It will not help the SMEs hardest hit by the revised U.S. tariff schedule. All businesses are saying the same thing: They do not want more loans; they are already in debt. In the very, very near future, in addition to assistance with modernization, they will need cash most of all to survive. This is a first step, but will the government confirm that it is not going to stop there and that it will immediately get back to the drawing board?”

“Businesses are at risk of closing. They need cash right now to pay their daily bills and help with wages so they do not lay off workers. When will the government help them?”

“Mr. Speaker, we will work together on the first step. However, to quote the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, “For businesses whose survival is currently in jeopardy, this is not enough. They need to have the cash flow necessary to maintain their day-to-day operations, not take on more debt or make investments that will only benefit them in the medium to long term.” We repeat: Immediate assistance and a wage subsidy are needed to prevent layoffs. When will the government finally do something?”

“New American trade taxes are hurting Quebec manufacturers, especially small businesses that risk shutting down right now. Today's government announcement ignores them. I want the government to change its plan and help them immediately.”

“Mr. Speaker, the revised U.S. tariff schedule in effect since April 6 is a disaster for Quebec’s manufacturing industry. The Desjardins Group reports that a quarter of all Quebec exports to the United States are now subject to tariffs. We are talking about a 60% increase overnight. Moreover, it is our small and medium-sized businesses that are being hit. Today’s announcement ignores the businesses that are most at risk. They cannot take on more debt to modernize in the medium term when they are at risk of shutting down right now. They need help today. Will the government change course?”