The impact of U.S. policies on the energy transition
There was no mistaking the tension looming over the Impulsion Summit, held just ahead of the U.S. president’s announcement of new tariffs and his clear retreat from transportation electrification.
At a luncheon discussion held on March 31 during the Impulsion Summit on electric and smart transportation, former Quebec Premier Jean Charest joined Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, to discuss how shifting Canada–U.S. trade dynamics are affecting the green transition in transportation.
The discussion was moderated by Emmanuelle Toussaint, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association.
According to Charest, Canada–U.S. trade relations are built on a free trade agreement that allows 99% of goods to move freely between the two countries. Tariffs disrupt that framework. However, the former premier pointed out that Canada holds strategic advantages in oil, electricity, fertilizers, and critical minerals when dealing with the U.S.
Minister Fréchette noted that the most recent provincial budget allocated $100 million to support the development of 28 minerals classified as critical in Quebec. Currently, the U.S. relies on China for many of these resources. Charest emphasized that if Quebec wants to speed up the extraction and commercialization of these essential minerals (particularly to support the development of the battery supply chain) the government will need to ease regulations in the mining sector. Opening a new mine in Quebec currently takes between 15 and 17 years.
Both panelists agreed that Quebec must stay the course on electrifying transportation, regardless of global economic conditions. “Some players are slowing down,” acknowledged the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, “but we must keep pushing forward with our green economy. In fact, we have an opportunity to get ahead of the Americans.”
The conversation also touched on the idea of removing the 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles—a move the Minister firmly opposed. “We’re at a point where we need to reassess our partnerships, but we should keep our distance from China and only reconsider our position if it changes its approach to the rules of the game. What matters most to me is preserving our North American supply chain.”
Jean Charest, who sits on the federal government’s Council on Canada–U.S. Relations, encouraged participants to remain calm and resilient amid global economic uncertainty, and to “look ahead and be patient.”
