Trump administration lists Quebec language law Bill 96 as trade barrier

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative released its annual list of global trade barriers Tuesday, and it includes Quebec's controversial language law Bill 96 as a trade irritant between the two countries. 

The nearly 400-page National Trade Estimate Report lists in almost encyclopedic detail all of the tariff and non-tariff barriers present in countries that import U.S. goods and services. 

While the report is a catch-all of trade irritants compiled by bureaucrats each year and does not necessarily reflect the priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump, it still prompted a strong response in Canada on Tuesday. 

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet accused Mark Carney of siding with Trump and urged Quebecers to turn on the Liberal leader. 

"Mr. Carney seems to think the same thing as Mr. Trump does. How could Quebecers consider even one instant placing their trust into that man?" Blanchet said during a campaign stop in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Que.  

"There's one way [for Quebecers] to protect their right to live and work and be happy in French, is to trust Quebecers," he added. 

Blanchet's criticism follows Carney's remarks Monday that a government led by him would act as an intervenor at the Supreme Court of Canada should it ever hear a challenge to Bill 96.

Carney said he would do so not because he has a problem with the legislation, but because he opposes any province's pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause to pass laws. 

In Winnipeg on Tuesday, Carney dismissed the notion that he would ever negotiate with the U.S. about issues that affect the French language, culture or supply management. Asked if he was willing to stand by that commitment and protect Quebec whatever the cost, Carney answered "yes."

"In a negotiation when you set things aside, they remain off the table," he said. "I've been making that commitment repeatedly. I'm setting aside French language and culture and supply management. 

"I know how to negotiate and I want this to be clear — those things are off the table."

Watch | Carney says he'll never negotiate with U.S. on French language, culture:

Speaking at a campaign stop in Charlottetown on Tuesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the rules in Bill 96 that concern the U.S. Trade Representative actually create a level playing field that applies to both Canadian and U.S. companies. 

"It's ridiculous. We are never going to let a foreign government tell us what our language laws, or any other laws, are going to be in our country," Poilievre said.