A cross-border conversation about tariffs and trade

President Trump's policies and posture towards Canada have upended our country's relationship with our neighbor to the north. His recent announcement of 50 percent tariffs on some Canadian goods has further ratcheted up tensions between the two nations. To discuss the impact of this announcement on our two nations, Vermont Edition combined forces for a joint broadcast with CBC's Radio Noon in Quebec, hosted by Shawn Apel. Our conversation focused on trade and the effects of tariffs on commerce, supply chains, and business relationships. Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak and Quebec's Minister of International Relations Christopher Skeete kicked off the hour talking about Vermont and Canada's long trading history. Quentin Abraham Desrosiers, general manager of PlastiCompetence, an association that represents the plastic industry in Quebec, shared his experiences. We also heard from both Vermont and Quebec listeners who have felt the effects of tariffs. Broadcast live on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.