On Sunday, Quebec Minister Skeete announced that the province could declare itself not bound by the Canada‑U.S‑Mexico trade agreement, known as ACEUM, as Ottawa continues negotiations with the United States on a revised pact.
The statement was delivered by Minister Skeete on behalf of the Quebec government led by Premier Fréchette. He said the province is monitoring the direction of the federal talks and intends to preserve its ability to act independently of any changes to the trilateral agreement.
The federal government in Ottawa is currently engaged in discussions with Washington to update aspects of the ACEUM. Those negotiations aim to address issues identified by both Canada and the United States, but Quebec has not been directly involved in the intergovernmental process.
Quebec’s position rests on a longstanding claim that the province can choose whether to be bound by the agreement, a stance it has maintained in previous trade discussions. The province argues that any alteration to the agreement could affect sectors of its economy, and that staying non‑linked would protect its interests.
The announcement comes as Ottawa seeks to finalize the updated agreement before the end of the year. Washington officials have not commented on Quebec’s remarks. The provincial government indicated it will assess the final text of any revised ACEUM and decide whether to adopt it or remain outside its provisions.
Observers note that Quebec’s declaration could add a layer of complexity to the federal‑U.S. negotiations, but the province frames its position as a precautionary measure pending the outcome of the talks.