Quebec will closely monitor the potential impacts a new Donald Trump presidency will have on immigration and the economy, the province’s premier said Wednesday.
François Legault was addressing the outcome of Trump clinching the United States presidential election in a political comeback that saw him defeat Kamala Harris.
It will be Trump’s second, non-consecutive term at the helm of American leadership and, as a result, Legault says he will implement a “working group” composed of several cabinet ministers to defend Quebec’s interests.
“Americans voted yesterday and Mr. Trump won,” Legault said at the provincial legislature. “And we have to respect that result.”
But Legault was quick to lay out his concerns about Trump’s victory, warning of a possible inpouring of asylum seekers at the border and steeper tariffs on exports from Quebec.
When it comes to immigration, Legault says the province has “done its part” and simply cannot take on more new arrivals. Trump has promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States as one of his top priorities.
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“We should not see a massive influx of immigrants coming via the United States, because that could really unbalance the job market,” he said. “And already, our reception capacity, our integration capacity is overwhelmed.”
Quebec’s premier is particularly worried about more asylum seekers at both land borders and airports. Legault says his government is looking at further securing its own land borders with the U.S. if necessary.
“First what I want to do is make sure that Mr. (Justin) Trudeau and the federal government takes this seriously. I want a follow-up every week about the number of immigrants we get in Quebec,” Legault said.
Donald Trump waves as he walks with former first lady Melania Trump at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
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The comments come as the Legault government has implemented stricter immigration policies in recent months. Last week, Quebec suspended two major programs that are pathways to citizenship, saying it wants to “better regulate” newcomers to the province.
Legault’s other main concern is the economy. He pointed to possible steeper tariffs under Trump for Quebec’s exports, particularly when it comes to the aeronautic sector, wood products, aluminum and food products.
“Unfortunately, we must expect that there will be actions taken by Mr. Trump and his team that could be negative for Canada’s economy and Quebec’s economy,” Legault said.
“I think we have to tell ourselves the truth. There are jobs at stake. So we will have to be very strategic, especially in key sectors, where Quebec has a lot of exports to the United States.”
Legault’s comments come as other Canadian politicians, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, congratulated Trump in posts on X.
— with files from Global’s Gabby Rodrigues and The Canadian Press
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