The interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Marc Tanguay, hopes that the provincial premiers and the Trudeau government can agree on a common strategy to deal with Donald Trump’s threats when they meet next week.
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In an interview with TVA Nouvelles de midi, Mr. Tanguay commented on the departure of the Premier of Ontario, who spoke in an interview with Fox News to defend the independence of Canada.
“We see Doug Ford getting active, and we don’t feel that there is a concerted and complete strategy for Canada and Quebec,” he declared.
“On [doit] really come together and not separate, he adds. We see that Prime Minister Doug Ford is very active, but we have to talk about it. We must have a common strategy and François Legault must have a leadership role within the Canadian federation.
The leader of the first opposition party in the National Assembly is of the opinion that Prime Minister François Legault must appoint a chief negotiator and that a crisis unit must be created within the Council of the Federation, which must “ elsewhere meet in person next Wednesday in Ottawa.
Marc Tanguay judges that the response to the threats has been “insufficient” so far.
“Honestly, when we look at the fact that it was Doug Ford who spoke yesterday on Fox News on behalf of Canada, or on behalf of what could be perceived by the Americans or Donald Trump as speaking with one voice for the Canada, it’s important to come together,” he said.
“I am not here to criticize and show partisanship,” he continues. It is a hand extended to François Legault so that he can ensure that he appoints what he had promised on November 6, a chief negotiator. It’s not normal that we don’t already have an established strategy.”
A virtual meeting of the Council of the Federation will take place Wednesday afternoon, a week before its in-person meeting in Ottawa.
“The game has begun,” adds Mr. Tanguay. In less than two weeks, Donald Trump will be president of the United States.”
Prime Minister François Legault also commented for the first time on Wednesday afternoon on the American president-elect’s threats, mentioning that it was necessary to “keep a cool head” and avoid “playing into the hands” of Mr. Trump.
“Later this afternoon I will have a meeting with the provincial premiers,” he said. We intend to coordinate, show a united front and take all means at our disposal to avoid the imposition of tariffs by the United States.”
Watch the full interview in the video above
