Economic uncertainty and American protectionism frighten the Quebec government, so much so that the Prime Minister wants Canada to join the Buy American Act and thus the economic barriers fall with the United States.
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“We would like Canada to be part of the Buy American Act. We have standards both in terms of labor and the environment that resemble those of the United States. So, unlike Mexico, we would like that, ”said François Legault, when he left the question period on Thursday.
The Buy American Act may require the purchase of goods produced in the United States by the United States government.
Protect specific sectors
The Minister of the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, admits that he fears this American protectionism in this period of economic uncertainty.
He campaigns with Ottawa for the creation of a Buy American Act Canadian that would affect certain specific sectors.
“Yes, I am worried on a systemic basis,” said Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon. “I have always feared the BAA [Buy American Act] because the Americans have strong measures to attract investment. »
Building on our strengths
Mr. Fitzgibbon indicated that he had many discussions with his federal counterparts so that there could be specific measures that could be comparable.
“With Mr. Champagne and Mrs. Freeland’s Ministry of Finance, we had a lot of discussions so that, for specific projects, we could have assistance that would be quite comparable with the [Buy American Act] “, he pointed out, believing that Quebec is “capable of playing its cards on specific projects. »
According to the Minister, Quebec can resist the Americans and be competitive in order to attract investment thanks to its battery sector.
“If people want green energy, we’re the only ones. At some point, people will have to accept that access to renewable energy, there is a premium for that”, he firmly indicated, arguing that there are advantages to investing in Quebec.
“Quebec is still very attractive at the university level, at the level of our innovation centers. »
Money is not the only factor
He says money isn’t the only reason businesses locate in a particular location.
“If it’s just the money that’s the only reason why they come here, it’s the wrong reason,” he said.
According to him, there are many economic sectors in which Quebec stands out, particularly innovation zones, such as Bécancour and its battery industry.