Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette offered her support to Bombardier’s CEO after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Monday to stop the sale of products from the Montreal-based company in the U.S.
Trump said in a social media post that the aircraft aren’t “good enough” and said that if Canada wants to keep selling Bombardier aircraft in the U.S., they must be built there.
Fréchette said in a social media post that she would not respond to provocation with provocation.
“Bombardier is a source of pride for Quebec, a flagship of our economy, and a major player in our aerospace industry. Behind this company are thousands of Quebec workers who showcase our expertise around the world,” she wrote.
“Quebec will not allow anyone to dictate where our companies must produce in order to access a market. We will defend our companies, our workers, and our expertise with resolve.”
Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville took to social media as well to say that Trump’s comments were unacceptable.
“Attacking Bombardier is attacking Quebec. It’s attacking a flagship of our aerospace industry that employs more than 40,000 people,” he wrote.
“We won’t let ourselves be pushed around. Quebec will be there to protect our industries and our jobs.”
In a statement, Bombardier said it is a major contributor in the American aerospace industry.
The company says its growing presence in the U.S. supports tens of thousands of American jobs. Its supply chain includes approximately 2,800 U.S. companies, the company said.
“The American aerospace industry is a clear winner on trade and exports,” the statement reads.
“Aerospace is routinely one of the top export sectors for the United States and a continual trade surplus winner.”
Bombardier also emphasized its strong ties to the U.S. The company says its aircraft are built using components made by American companies, including engines, avionics and other key systems.
The wings for the world’s fastest business jet are made by American workers at Bombardier’s facility in Red Oak, Texas. The company’s facility in Los Angeles, California, area also produces important flight-control components.
Bombardier also reiterated its plans to expand its defence activities and service network. The company is also preparing to inaugurate a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“Bombardier values its great partnership with American companies and its U.S. employees. Our plan is to continue to invest in our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate across the country,” the statement reads.
Canadian retaliatory tariffs impacting nearly $28 billion worth of more than 700 American goods are set to take effect on Sept. 8. They range from 15 to 50 per cent and will target a wide range of products.
The retaliatory tariffs are a response to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods in July.
The tariffs came into effect Aug. 22 after Canada and the U.S. failed to reach an agreement in multiple trade talks.
The Trump administration said the tariffs were a response to “Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce,” citing Quebec’s restriction on sales of U.S. alcohol in Quebec liquor stores (SAQ), among other things.
The U.S. tariffs are expected to have the greatest impact on Quebec because of its strong ties to the U.S., including its forestry, aluminum, steel, manufacturing, dairy, and consumer goods sectors.
