François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, who is on an economic mission to Germany today. He hopes to electrify Quebec’s industries. His visit will continue through April 2. That timing could hardly be worse, coming alongside threats from President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on Canadian products. This mission is seen as an effort to diversify Quebec’s trade relations away from the U.S., especially given recent tensions over tariffs.
This potential rearmament of Europe gives rise to what Legault calls an “extraordinary opportunity” for Quebec. Europe has announced plans to ramp up investment in defense by the hundreds of billions of dollars over the next few years. Legault wants to make Quebec a major player in this field. This diversification push covers multiple industries like shipbuilding, aerospace, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.
“Now, Mr. Trump says, ‘I don’t need you guys’… Personally, it would give me pleasure to take a good portion of our aluminum and find places, Germany among others, to send it,” – François Legault
In particular, Quebec’s aluminum industry, though, is on the chopping block from a proposed 25 percent duty from the Trump administration. This presents an outsized threat as Quebec is the source of 60 percent of U.S. aluminum requirements. Legault is making new friends in Europe. His goals are to reduce damage caused by tariffs while opening up new markets for Quebec exporters.
Hubert Bolduc, president and CEO of one of the many members of the economic mission, provided his personal take on the opportunities presented to Quebec by the defense sector.
“I think there is certainly an opportunity in defence for Quebec, whether it’s at the level of helicopters, planes, flight simulators,” – Hubert Bolduc
Legault’s visit is scheduled to end on Wednesday. This day happens to be the exact day that Trump has threatened to start charging new tariffs on Canadian goods. The timing could not be more urgent or important, as Legault attempts to set up much deeper economic ties with Europe.
