Outaouais MPs respond to suspended Canada-U.S. trade talks

Outaouais MPs respond to suspended Canada-U.S. trade talks

Federal MPs representing the Outaouais, including Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi MP Sophie Chatel, are urging local businesses to prepare for the potential impact of new U.S. tariffs, following the suspension of Canada-U.S. trade talks.

In a statement issued Saturday, the MPs say Canadian negotiators worked in good faith to defend the country’s interests, but that last-minute changes proposed by the United States were unfair and not economically viable for Canada.

The federal government says it will announce measures in the coming days to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the trade dispute.

In the meantime, the MPs are encouraging Canadians to support local businesses by buying Canadian products.

The four Outaouais MPs are also identifying businesses in the region that could be affected by the new tariffs. Businesses that export to the United States and are concerned about the impact on their operations or employees are being encouraged to contact their local Member of Parliament’s office.

The statement was signed by Sophie Chatel for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi, Greg Fergus for Hull–Aylmer, Stéphane Lauzon for Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation, and Steven MacKinnon for Gatineau.