Quebec forest industry already under pressure amid Trump tariff threat: Legault [Video]

Quebec’s premier has raised concerns about the potential impact of the tariff proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on the province’s forest industry.

In a statement posted to social media on Sunday, François Legault said high interest rates and existing duties on softwood lumber were already putting pressure on the sector, which he said accounts for more than 50,000 jobs in Quebec.

“It will be important to protect our economy and our businesses in the coming months, and we are already working on our strategy with the relevant ministers within the government,” he wrote in French. “I have great admiration for all the workers in our forestry industry, whether they are in logging, transportation, sawmills or reforestation.”

Legault’s comments echo those of British Columbia Premier David Eby, who told media last week that Trump’s plan to impose a tariff of 25 per cent on Canadian goods would be “devastating” for …