Canadian Anger and Anxiety Grow Over Trump's Steel Tariffs

Residents and leaders in Drummondville, Quebec, are expressing deep concern and anger following President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many in this working-class region fear substantial economic repercussions, as approximately 18% of local jobs depend on trade relationships with the United States.

According to Louis-Charles L Baril, director at Drummondville's mayoral office, manufacturing represents about 26% of the city's entire economic output, with roughly 3,000 local jobs now considered at risk. He highlighted that up to 100,000 jobs could potentially disappear across Quebec due to these American-imposed tariffs. These concerns are particularly urgent now, as Quebec hosts American delegates for upcoming G7 discussions.

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister of intergovernmental affairs, aims to address the escalating tensions directly, expressing a desire for constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. An urgent meeting between Canadian federal ministers, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is scheduled, with hopes of easing tensions before the next round of reciprocal tariffs is announced by Trump on April 2.

Local businesses like Matritech Inc., a metal processing company in Drummondville, are already experiencing uncertainty. Longtime employee Jean-François Nadeau expressed his frustration and confusion over Trump's decisions. Although his company doesn't export directly to the U.S., their products reach American buyers through contractors, meaning tariffs will ultimately impact the company's supply chain significantly.

Despite frustration with Trump's policies, Drummondville residents like Nadeau and his colleague Daniel Guevremont stress their continued willingness to collaborate with their American neighbors. Guevremont reiterated a hope for sustained cooperation, underscoring the long history of partnership and friendship shared by the two countries.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly plans to strongly voice opposition to U.S. actions during an upcoming G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec. She emphasized that the stakes extend beyond mere economic concerns, affecting Canadian sovereignty and cultural identity. U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, have defended Trump's trade decisions as essential for national security and American economic revival. Rubio dismissed concerns about Canada's future territorial integrity, amid recent controversial remarks by Trump about Canada becoming America's "51st state."

Nadeau, meanwhile, stressed that while Canadians remain allies of the American people, Trump's rhetoric and policies have gone too far, asserting firmly, "It’s not a joke anymore.