Quebec minister Fréchette announced on September 7, 2026 that she will suspend her campaign to convene an emergency cabinet meeting focused on Canada’s planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States.
The meeting will examine the federal government’s decision to levy counter‑tariffs on a variety of American products, including dairy, steel, copper and selected beauty items. The duties are expected to range from 15 percent to 50 percent, depending on the sector.
Provincial leaders, including the Quebec premier and the CAQ party head, have been briefed on the federal strategy. Officials said the measures could affect Quebec businesses that import or process the targeted U.S. goods.
The Canadian announcement follows recent U.S. trade actions aimed at Canadian exports. While the United States has not released a detailed list of its restrictions, the escalation has led Ottawa to prepare a mirrored response.
By calling the cabinet session, Quebec aims to coordinate its provincial response with the federal plan and to evaluate potential economic impacts on local industries and consumers.
The range of 15 percent to 50 percent reflects the breadth of sectors targeted, indicating a possible increase in costs for Canadian importers and downstream businesses.
No specific date has been set for when the tariffs will take effect. The cabinet is expected to produce recommendations for the premier and the CAQ leadership, ensuring Quebec’s interests are considered in any further negotiations with the federal government and Washington.