Quebec businesses worried after Trudeau steps down, Trump inauguration looms

Business groups in Quebec say they are facing greater uncertainty considering Justin Trudeau’s impending departure and want more support.

In just two weeks Donald Trump will be sworn-in as president of the United States, which has many businesses on edge said Veronique Proulx, president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce.

“What we would need right now, ideally, is a very strong leadership,” she said, “to make sure that we have the Canadian government representing Quebec and Canadian businesses towards this administration, and to make sure that we do have a response that is ready.”

It’s not just the threat of 25 per cent tariffs worrying Quebec businesses. Trump has also indicated he may lower corporate tax, which could encourage Canadian companies to invest more in the U.S. instead of here at home.

Christina Santini, head of national affairs with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, would like to see the government reduce the red tape many small businesses face.

“They're doing it on the other side of the border, they will be doing it. So, we need to be competitive. We need to have a regulatory environment that fosters businesses and does not impede them,” she said, adding that the government can do so even in its current state.

Proulx says a lot of Quebec companies simply won't be competitive if 25 per cent tariffs are in place.

“Some companies are actually negotiating contracts with American clients who are questioning who will pay for this 25 per cent should it go forward,” said Proulx.

She said the federal government needs to consult the business community to make sure it's prepared for the near future.