Quebec announced on Thursday that it could choose to stay outside the pending ACEUM trade agreement, citing concerns about the current negotiations between the federal government and the United States. Premier François Fréchette and Minister of International Relations, Marie‑Claude Skeete, said the province will retain the option to remain non‑bound as discussions progress.
The province’s statement comes as Ottawa continues talks with Washington on the trilateral trade pact involving Canada, the United States and Mexico. Quebec officials expressed unease about the direction of those negotiations, warning that any outcome could affect the province’s economic interests and regulatory autonomy.
Minister Skeete emphasized that Quebec’s position is a precautionary measure, allowing the province to assess the agreement’s implications before committing. She noted that the province’s right to opt out is consistent with its historical approach to international trade matters that intersect with provincial jurisdiction.
Premier Fréchette added that while Quebec remains supportive of free trade, it expects the federal government to consider the province’s perspective in the final text. The announcement underscores a growing tension between Quebec and Ottawa over how the ACEUM deal will be implemented and the degree of flexibility afforded to individual provinces. The federal government has not yet responded to the province’s declaration, and negotiations with Washington are expected to continue throughout the year.
ACEUM, the proposed agreement that would replace the existing North American trade framework, is still under discussion among the three countries. Quebec’s decision to keep the option of non‑binding status reflects its desire to maintain a degree of independence in trade policy while the broader agreement is finalized.