The premiers of Quebec and Ontario, accompanied by other provincial counterparts, will go to Washington on February 12 to defend their interests in the face of threats of customs tariffs envisaged by Donald Trump.
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“We confirm that on February 12, we will be in Washington, to meet elected officials,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford during a press conference on Wednesday.
This decision was taken under the terms of the Fourth Council of the Federation, bringing together the Prime Ministers of Canada, which was held in the afternoon to prepare for the new American presidency.
François Legault also indicated that he had expressed his “concern regarding the current political situation in Ottawa” during this meeting.
“I reiterated the importance of having a more detailed plan for the borders and measures to prevent people from entering Canada under false pretenses,” he wrote in a post on his X account, at the end of the evening.
“Quebec and the other Canadian provinces intend to exercise leadership in discussions with the United States. Quebec wants to be present at the negotiating table and will appoint its representative in due course,” he added.
Mr. Legault also estimated, in a long message published on his social networks earlier in the day, that it was necessary to “take seriously” the threats of the next tenant of the White House while insisting on the importance of “ keep a cool head.
“Imposing tariffs will also hurt American businesses,” he said in his statement.
And on this idea that Mr. Trump repeats regarding the possibility of absorbing Canada as the 51st state within the American constitution, the Prime Minister of Quebec was unequivocal: “There is obviously no question of Canada becoming the 51st American state, but Mr. Trump will use every opportunity at his disposal to increase his balance of power,” he assured.
The Premier of Quebec will also return to the American capital by the spring.
