Former Quebec premier Jean Charest believes Canada may ultimately appreciate the disruptive impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his actions provided a necessary jolt to the country’s economic thinking.
Speaking to business leaders in Quebec City on Tuesday, Charest argued that Trump’s trade policies — particularly his tariff battles — have forced Canada to confront economic complacency and rethink key aspects of its economic strategy.
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“Trump is pulling Canada out of its lethargy,” Charest said, adding that the former U.S. president’s aggressive stance has prompted Canadian leaders to re-evaluate the country’s tax system, project development approach, and broader economic priorities.
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Now a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations, Charest emphasized the importance of reducing Canada’s reliance on the U.S. market and expanding into new global markets.
He also suggested that under Carney’s leadership, Canada is likely to fast-track major infrastructure projects, reassess federalism, and redefine its international role.
“I’m from the school of thought that in 20 years, we’ll thank Donald Trump for shaking us up in Canada,” Charest said. “It’s high time we rethink our economy.”
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