The Quebec legislature is back in session, facing U.S. tariff threats and a focus on secularism and identity issues
Quebec: The legislature is back in action, and it’s going to be an interesting session. The big talk is about potential tariffs from the U.S. and how they might impact jobs here.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge is set to introduce a new bill focused on integrating newcomers into Quebec’s culture. He’s all about promoting values like democracy and gender equality.
Legault is sounding the alarm about these tariffs, warning they could cost a ton of jobs—up to 100,000! He’s been comparing this situation to the pandemic, urging everyone to unite and promising to protect Quebecers.
He’s even suggested some retaliatory measures, like limiting American access to public contracts. It’s a bold move, and he’s hoping it’ll boost his government’s image after some recent struggles.
On the political front, Legault is also taking shots at the Parti Québécois, which has been gaining traction. He believes now isn’t the time to push for sovereignty; instead, we should focus on working together against Trump’s threats.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is trying to navigate these tariff threats without revealing too much about the government’s strategy. It’s a tricky situation, and polls show mixed feelings among the public.
As for the budget, Legault admitted that the looming tariffs could mess up plans to eliminate Quebec’s big deficit. He’s no longer sure they can balance the budget by 2029-30, which is a big deal.
Secularism is also on the agenda. The government is investigating schools for possible violations of secularism rules, and there’s talk of new legislation to strengthen these rules even further.
Lastly, the provincial Liberals are gearing up for a leadership race, hoping to regain some support after a tough election. They’re looking for a fresh face to lead them into the future.
