Quebec Premier François Legault addresses attendees during the CAQ convention held in Gatineau on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The Canadian Press
Quebec Premier François Legault called for stronger cooperation between Canadian provinces and U.S. states on Sunday as he addressed growing trade tensions between the two countries. Speaking at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Leadership Summit in Quebec City, Legault said both nations must work together despite the uncertainty in their relationship.
“The big elephant in the room is the uncertainty about the relationship between Canada and the United States,” he told the gathering. “We really need to know where we’ll be in one year, in two years, in four years, in ten years.”
The biennial summit, which brings together leaders from eight U.S. states and Ontario, marks the group’s first meeting since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Trade Challenges and Tariffs
Legault acknowledged that tariffs remain a major concern, saying they have hurt both economies. He emphasized the need for continued communication between governments on key economic and security issues.
The summit took place just as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepared to travel to Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet President Trump on Tuesday.
Legault said Canada and Quebec must make important strategic decisions in the coming years on topics such as critical minerals, defence spending, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. While he stressed the need for economic diversification, he also noted that geography makes cooperation essential.
“The St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes will continue to be interdependent,” he said. “In the long term, beyond temporary upheavals, the only way forward is to always strengthen our ties and collaboration.”
Calls to Update the Trade Agreement
The premier said Canada wants to renegotiate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA) as soon as possible, with the current trade pact due for review next July.
For Legault, certain areas are non-negotiable in any new trade discussions. One of them is supply management in the dairy sector, a system that controls the production and import of dairy, eggs, chicken, and turkey to keep prices stable.
Trump has long criticized the policy, claiming it limits access for U.S. farmers to Canada’s market. But Legault made his stance clear. “No compromise can be made on supply management for the dairy industry,” he said.
Protecting Language and Embracing the Future
Another area Legault refuses to compromise on is the protection of the French language in product labelling. “When we talk about what’s written on different products, it has to be bilingual,” he said. “I know Mr. Trump doesn’t like that, but we need that.”
He also discussed the rapid growth of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, which will require more energy and infrastructure to meet future demands. Quebec, he said, must ensure it benefits from this coming boom while managing resources wisely.
Looking Ahead
The summit will conclude Monday with a news conference in Quebec City, where Legault will be joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who missed Sunday’s opening session.
Legault said the discussions this week highlight the importance of working together across borders, no matter the political challenges. “We have to look ahead,” he said. “Our future depends on cooperation.”
