1. Generally, how does the NDP plan to oppose the control announced by the Trump government towards Canada? What proposals is it putting forward?

In the face of unfair and unjustified commercial attacks that risk causing tens of thousands of workers to lose their jobs, our response must be firm. With the support of the CTC, Jagmeet has already proposed a plan to Produce and Buy Canadian. Indeed, our governments must award procurement and public contracts to our own companies. Counter-tariff revenues must be used to maintain jobs and directly support workers. Employment Insurance must be expanded and improved. We must reduce our dependence on the American market and launch a major project for our infrastructure and social and cooperative housing. Finally, we must boycott American products and promote local purchasing.

2. What are the possible alliances for us to ensure resistance to Trump? What is the place of the Canadian and Quebec labour movement in this alliance?

As I indicated in the previous answer, the NDP is in constant discussion with the CTC and the FTQ to ensure that political decisions are made in favour of workers.

3. Our natural mineral resources (critical and strategic materials), oil resources make the Trump government salivate. How can we block their takeover by the United States? The most common proposal is market diversification. Could nationalisation be a way to protect them?

This is an option to consider. The nationalisation of Hydro-Québec has been greatly profitable for Quebec society. Petro-Canada has already been public, however we must not make the mistake, like the Liberals with TransMountain, of investing public funds in fossil fuel energies. This is not the way of the future. I would also say that we must be very vigilant with the protection of our drinking water. With the climate crisis, the USA will look at this “blue gold” with increasing interest.

4. Where does the NDP stand on the project to build pipelines and gas pipelines and liquefaction companies as a means of diversifying outlets? What place should the oil industry occupy in the Canadian economy from the NDP’s perspective in view of the decarbonisation of the economy?

In an economy that will decarbonise, with the requirements of science and our commitments to the Paris Agreement, this is not tomorrow’s economy. The whole world will reduce its consumption of fossil fuels, Europe has already reduced its consumption of natural gas by nearly 20% since 2017, so the demand will not be there. It is imperative to invest in renewable energies that will be necessary for generations to come.

5. Mark Carney stated that he would respond positively to the increase in military spending to 2% of GDP to respond to pressure from Trump, who himself speaks of 5% of GDP. What is the NDP’s position on this?

We should not do things because Donald Trump or any other country asks for it; we should do things because it is in our interest. With Donald Trump’s follies, it is certain that Canada can no longer consider the United States as a reliable ally and that this will require changes. Compared to Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, the NDP’s objective will not be to give more money to the large military lobbying companies that have been stealing money from us for decades. Our investments will focus on improving the working conditions of people serving in the armed forces, such as ensuring they have a decent salary, housing, health care and adequate equipment to do their job. We will also need to work with Indigenous peoples to invest in Arctic security.

6. In the current context, does the NDP continue to support the Sherbrooke Declaration and Quebec’s right to self-determination?

Of course! Jagmeet and the NDP want to continue Jack Layton’s dream of rallying progressives from coast to coast to build a better society for all. The NDP recognises the uniqueness of the Quebec nation and we will implement asymmetrical federalism as described in the Sherbrooke Declaration. We will cooperate with the Quebec government to tackle the various challenges facing Quebecers: having Quebec proudly seated at the table. Jagmeet and the NDP will serve Quebecers; we will not be at the service of Mr Legault. We will be a reliable partner who is ready to do our part, but who will not hesitate to be honest and constructive when we disagree with Premier Legault.

7. Are the orientations and objectives for the next elections already clearly defined?

The electoral platform is coming! So I won’t give any scoops! But one thing is certain, the interest of workers will be at the heart of our discourse. There are already enough parties for bankers, millionaires and CEOs. We are on the side of the working class and public services. Our main axes will revolve around alternative housing that people can afford, the cost of living, good unionised jobs and the energy transition in the face of the climate crisis.

Alexandre Boulerice

Interview by André Frappier and Bernard Rioux

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