Ruling Party Targets Donald Trump as Election Race Begins in Quebec

As campaigning officially began ahead of the October 5 National Assembly elections in Canada's Quebec province, Coalition Avenir Québec leader and incumbent Premier Christine Fréchette announced that she views US President Donald Trump as her main rival.

Start of the Election Campaign

Political parties have taken to the field and the race has officially started for the parliamentary elections to be held on October 5 in Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec.

Christine Fréchette, leader of the governing Coalition Avenir Québec party, made striking remarks at the opening of the campaign.

Statements Targeting Trump

Party leader Christine Fréchette stated that her real opponent in the elections is US President Donald Trump, declaring him the true adversary.

Fréchette asked the public for a mandate to protect Quebec businesses against the economic uncertainties and turbulent period stemming from the US administration.

Trade Wars and Tariffs

Trade wars and applied customs tariffs between the US and Canada have become one of the most important agenda items in Quebec provincial politics.

While American tariffs negatively affect major industries in the province, they have also altered the course of federal elections at the federal level.

Separatist Debates and Effects

US President Donald Trump's rhetoric regarding Canada as the 51st state has complicated decades-long debates over Quebec's separation from Canada.

Separatis Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated that he would not hold an independence referendum as long as Trump is in office.

Language and Cultural Policies

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that the Washington administration has withdrawn its objections regarding measures supporting the French language and Canadian cultural content.

Quebec has broad autonomy within Canada with its own income tax system and French-speaking immigration policies.