As Quebec Premier François Legault welcomed governors and business leaders to Quebec City this week, the elegant backdrop of our historic capital became more than just scenery – it transformed into the stage for crucial conversations about the economic future binding Canada and the United States together.
Having covered numerous economic summits throughout my career, I can tell you this gathering carried a particular weight. The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers brought together regional leaders at a moment when trade tensions between our nations have reached concerning levels.
Walking through the corridors of power during the summit, I observed how Premier Legault positioned himself as both host and advocate. “We need to work together to convince Washington and Ottawa of the importance of our economic relationship,” he told the assembled leaders, his words carrying both urgency and conviction.
The timing couldn’t be more significant. Just last month, the Biden administration imposed a 100% tariff on Canadian steel used in public infrastructure projects. This move sent shockwaves through Quebec’s manufacturing sector, where thousands of jobs depend directly on cross-border trade.
Michel Leblanc, president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, shared his perspective with me between sessions. “These tariffs create immediate uncertainty for Quebec businesses that have built their operations around integrated supply chains,” he explained. “When political decisions disrupt decades of economic integration, it’s the workers and communities on both sides who ultimately pay the price.”
The numbers tell a compelling story about what’s at stake. Quebec exports more than $65 billion in goods and services to the United States annually, representing approximately 70% of our total exports. Behind these figures are real people – nearly 300,000 Quebecers whose livelihoods depend directly on this relationship.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott acknowledged this reality during his address. “Our economies are not just connected – they’re deeply intertwined,” he noted. “When we place barriers between us, we’re not just affecting trade statistics; we’re affecting families and communities that have built their futures around this partnership.“
As a journalist who has covered Montreal’s diverse economic landscape for over fifteen years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how even small changes in trade policy can ripple through our local communities. The aluminum fabricator in Saguenay, the aerospace supplier in Saint-Laurent, the technology firm in the Mile End – all exist within an economic ecosystem that transcends the border.
Premier Legault’s approach at the summit reflected this complexity. He balanced firm advocacy for Quebec’s interests with recognition of American concerns, particularly around competition from China. “We understand the legitimate concerns about unfair competition,” he acknowledged. “But the solution cannot be to treat your closest allies and trading partners as part of the problem.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey emphasized the practical benefits of collaboration over confrontation. “When we look at the challenges facing North America – from climate change to energy security to technological transformation – we’re stronger facing them as partners rather than as competitors,” she said during the closing session.
Beyond the formal discussions, I noticed something equally important happening in the hallways and during coffee breaks. Representatives from businesses on both sides of the border were engaged in intense conversations, exchanging business cards and planning follow-up meetings. This grassroots economic diplomacy often proves as valuable as the official communiqués.
Robert Tessier, former chairman of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, summarized the situation perfectly when I spoke with him after the main proceedings. “Trade tensions create headlines, but what sustains our relationship are the thousands of daily interactions between businesses and people who understand we’re all part of a shared economic community.”
The summit concluded with commitments to enhance regional cooperation on clean energy initiatives, transportation infrastructure, and workforce development – all crucial areas where cross-border collaboration multiplies benefits for citizens on both sides.
As I reflect on the events while traveling back to Montreal, what strikes me most is how this complex international relationship becomes deeply personal for communities throughout our province. When we talk about U.S.-Canada trade relations, we’re really talking about the economic security of our neighbors, our local businesses, and ultimately, the vitality of our shared regional identity.
The path forward remains challenging. With presidential elections approaching in the United States and growing pressures from global competition, the stable trade relationship we’ve long taken for granted requires renewed commitment and creativity from leaders at all levels.
For Montrealers and Quebecers watching these developments, the message from Quebec City is clear: our economic future remains deeply connected to our southern neighbors, and nurturing that relationship demands both vigilance and vision.
