Quebec Premier Demands Details Before Backing Canada-US Trade Deal

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has said that negotiations between Canada and the United States are "far from over," as she presses Prime Minister Mark Carney for more information on whether an emerging agreement would safeguard the province's dairy and forestry sectors.

In a social media post late Wednesday, Fréchette said, "Information is missing before I can make the right decisions to ensure Quebecers are protected. I am awaiting clarifications from Mr. Carney." She also pushed back against the idea of quickly restoring U.S. alcohol to provincial store shelves, asserting that Quebec alone would decide whether American products return to the SAQ, the province's government-controlled liquor retailer.

The two countries moved closer to finalizing a deal this week that would avert threatened 50% U.S. tariffs. Washington has postponed tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports until Saturday. U.S. President Donald Trump has called the agreement "very fair" to both sides, predicting benefits for American farmers and manufacturers.

While Quebec does not have veto power over a federal trade agreement, it controls provincial measures such as the sale of U.S. alcohol through the SAQ. During a briefing with provincial premiers, Carney reportedly asked them to bring U.S. alcohol back to store shelves, a move aimed at addressing a key U.S. trade complaint. The White House says the emerging deal includes a Canadian commitment to tackle restrictions on U.S. alcohol, though Carney cannot order provinces to restore sales.

Fréchette's Coalition Avenir Québec faces voters in an October provincial election, adding political pressure as she weighs concessions affecting dairy, forestry, and U.S. alcohol sales. Eight of Canada's 10 provinces currently restrict or ban U.S. alcohol in retaliation for Trump's earlier tariffs and his repeated remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Ontario's government-run LCBO, one of the world's largest alcohol purchasers, sold nearly C$1 billion ($723 million) in U.S. products annually before pulling them from shelves. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston voiced support for the direction of the talks but noted that whether Canadians would actually buy U.S. alcohol again "is a whole other discussion."

Details of the emerging agreement remain vague, though Trump has claimed Canada agreed to end tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Canada currently allows a set amount of dairy imports at low tariffs, with much higher tariffs applying once imports exceed that limit. The U.S. argues Canada's supply-management system makes it harder for American dairy producers to gain full market access.

Dominic LeBlanc, the Canadian minister responsible for trade with the U.S., said Canada's "agriculture sector will be well protected and we have maintained our tough line."