Quebec's governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has officially launched its election campaign by identifying U.S. President Donald Trump as its primary adversary. The party aims to position itself as the protector of Quebec's businesses and workers against economic uncertainty stemming from the United States.
Christine Fréchette, leader of the CAQ, declared Trump her opponent, highlighting his trade policies and remarks about potentially making Canada the 51st U.S. state as significant factors influencing the provincial election. These issues have become prominent in Quebec, where U.S. tariffs are impacting major industries. Trump's rhetoric has also complicated a long-standing debate within the predominantly French-speaking province about its place within Canada.
Fréchette stated that her government is best equipped to navigate these challenges, asking for a mandate to "move forward through a storm." The CAQ has governed Quebec for eight years.
The main rival to the CAQ is the separatist Parti Québécois, which has indicated it would not hold another referendum on independence while Trump is president, citing the uncertainty his administration creates.
Other political leaders in Quebec have also weighed in on Trump's influence. Charles Milliard, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, argued that Trump's trade disputes demonstrate the benefits of Quebec remaining part of Canada, stating, "In the context of an international trade war, we’re stronger as 41 million people."
Trump's tariffs and rhetoric toward Canada notably became a defining issue in the 2025 federal election, contributing to the victory of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal party.
The trade dispute has also brought attention to Quebec's cultural and linguistic policies. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that Washington had dropped objections to measures promoting French-language and Canadian cultural content, which U.S. negotiators had previously raised as trade irritants.