A motion from the Bloc Québécois condemning new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products containing steel, aluminum or copper. The Bloc accused the Liberal government of not doing enough to fight the tariffs and protect jobs. The Liberals defended their response and efforts to diversify trade. The Conservatives criticized the government's handling of the file, saying they were all talk but haven't gotten results.
“I want to complain that the government helps other provinces' industries more than Quebec's. Quebec's aluminum and forestry need more federal spending.”
“I want to change the subject to a different industry. I'll bring up some scary-sounding statistics about foreign ownership in oil and gas. Maybe people will forget we were talking about trade and forestry.”
“I want the government to focus on lasting fixes for Quebec businesses instead of oil investments. Loans aren't enough. I want the government to stop spending our money on oil and make a real strategy to help Quebec industries like forestry and aluminum.”
“I accuse the government of failing to solve the tariff crisis, even though that's what got them elected a year ago. They promised it would be resolved, but it's only gotten worse. Now I want the government to take quick and easy measures to help Quebec businesses and workers while we wait for an agreement with the U.S.”
“I want the government to spend money on my preferred program quickly. I think it's unfair that more money goes to the oil and gas sector than the forestry sector. The government should have the courage to support forestry like it supports energy.”
“I've been talking about the forestry and aluminum sectors for 11 years, but the government still isn't doing enough to help them. These sectors are struggling, businesses are closing, and workers are losing their jobs. The government should be supporting these industries, not just giving empty rhetoric. Instead of sending money to the oil and gas sector, the government should invest in forestry and aluminum. The government needs to listen to the people on the ground and take action to help these industries and workers.”
“I'm sad that oil and gas were mentioned more than forestry. The government shouldn't turn its back on forestry workers. Offering retraining programs instead of supporting the industry sends a scary message.”
“You're doing great, but it's loud. Anyways. I want the government to pay countervailing duties for us. The government will get paid back eventually. Then the industry can keep exporting to America despite those mean U.S. tariffs.”
“I want the government to spend $4.4 billion on our industry. That money is just sitting there! It won't cost the government anything. I don't know why the government won't accept our amazing proposals.”
