Tariffs could cost Quebecers 160,000 jobs, Legault says [Video]

Legault is expected to announce measures to counter 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States.

U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods could have larger affects than originally predicted on Quebec employment, said Premier François Legault, who has now estimated the province could lose up to 160,000 jobs with the 25 per cent tariffs, which are expected to hit hard for the province’s metals and manufacturing industries.

Legault said relief measures will include a liquidity program aimed at businesses affected by the tariffs to support them in the short-term. The CAQ government also wants to stimulate diversification efforts by increasing available funds at Investissement Québec in its upcoming budget.

“We must absolutely redraw Quebec’s economy,” he said.

Legault will make an official announcement about the measures Tuesday afternoon.

The premier said he is not excluding anything given the magnitude of the tariff war Canada now finds itself in.

“We have to be able to make Mr. Trump pay …