Latest news with #FédérationdeschambresdecommerceduQuébec
Montreal Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Quebec businesses say U.S. tariff ruling ‘not a victory yet'
By Quebec business groups say a U.S. court decision striking down some of President Donald Trump's tariffs is a good sign, but that Canada now needs to focus on negotiations to address other tariffs on major exports. The U.S. trade court's Wednesday decision — which was temporarily halted by an appeal court Thursday afternoon as the administration appeals the ruling — found the president didn't have the authority to impose two sets of tariffs using emergency powers. That includes tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that the administration said were imposed on the grounds that those countries weren't doing enough curb the movement of fentanyl, as well as so-called reciprocal tariffs on nearly every other country in the world that were related to trade deficits. The ruling does not apply to tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, or vehicles, which were introduced using other powers. 'This ruling is good news, it shows that the tariffs that were imposed were not based on law, on how we do our economic relations between Canada and the U.S.,' said Julie White, the president and CEO of Manufacturiers & Exportateurs du Québec. 'But, it's not over, the American administration is going to appeal and we still have a lot of steps to do with the American administration on the renegotiation of the (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement).' While manufacturers who were affected by the tariffs can breathe a little easier, White said, there is still a climate of uncertainty around trade with the U.S., which has pushed Quebec businesses to put investments and other projects on hold. 'It's good news, but it's not a victory yet,' White said, adding that she wants to see the federal government — which has not yet appointed a negotiator — prepare for trade negotiations with the U.S. and that businesses need to continue looking for other markets, a process that will take time. Trump had already suspended the tariffs struck down by the Court of International Trade on Canadian goods that comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. With tariffs remaining on steel and aluminum, as well as pre-existing tariffs on softwood lumber, Véronique Proulx, the president and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, said Wednesday's decision will have little immediate effect on her organization's members. 'It sends a positive signal, a positive signal that the president can't evoke emergency measures to put unjustified tariffs in place and that there are institutions in the United States that are impartial and who clearly see that, once again, these tariff decisions were not justified,' she said, 'But in concrete terms, for our businesses, this has little impact on their day-to-day operations.' Proulx said she hopes Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government recognize that the tariff war with the U.S. isn't over and that finding a solution needs to be a priority. Two lawsuits led to the ruling by the New York-based federal trade court. One was filed by a group of small businesses, including a wine importer, V.O.S. Selections, whose owner has said the tariffs are having a major impact and his company may not survive. The other was filed by a dozen states, led by Oregon, who argued the tariffs interfered with their ability to engage in procurement and government contracts. The core issue in the case was presidential power, said Raj Bhala, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law who has written extensively on international trade law. The law used to impose the tariffs, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, allows the president to respond to an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' that's at least partially coming from outside the country, but the court found that fentanyl, trade deficits and illegal immigration weren't unusual and extraordinary, Bhala said in an interview. The court also found that the president exceeded his authority under that law to regulate imports. But Bhala, who thinks the case will likely end up at the Supreme Court, said the president may have some good arguments against the ruling, including those based on a theory that the courts don't have the right to impede his authority to deal with national security threats. 'I think one of the most foolish moves a foreign government could make is to say, 'ha, ha Trump is weakened, we don't have to worry about this, this is not a problem, it's going to go away, the U.S. courts will take care of it.' No, I would keep negotiating,' said Bhala, a dual Canadian and U.S. citizen. Even if the ruling is upheld on appeal, the president has other powers to levy tariffs and Congress may pass legislation specifically authorizing the struck-down tariffs, Bhala said, adding that protectionism has proven popular with American voters. 'Don't gloat over this seeming victory, it may not last,' he said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HGreg receives a Mercure Award in the EDC International Market Development category
John Hairabedian, HGrégoire; Julie Pottier, EDC MONTRÉAL, May 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last night, HGreg was honoured at the 2025 Mercuriades Awards ceremony, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), by receiving the Mercure Award in the EDC International Market Development category. The company was also a finalist in the TELUS Technology Innovation category. The EDC International Market Development Award recognizes the exceptional performance of a Québec company that has implemented an export or foreign direct investment strategy that has led to tangible growth in international markets. HGreg, already well established in Canada, has distinguished itself by the strategic expansion of its activities in the United States, particularly in Houston, where it has experienced sustained growth since the opening of its first dealership in 2023. Quebec-based automotive group is now present in three largest U.S. car markets – Florida, California and Texas. "This recognition is a testament to the strategic vision we have been pursuing for several years: to promote our business model well beyond Quebec," said John Hairabedian, President of HGreg. "Today, HGrégoire has more than 48 new and pre-owned vehicle dealerships across North America and now sells more vehicles in the United States than in Quebec. But it all started here in Quebec. The lessons learned here were the springboard for our international success. The expansion of our activities represents a major step in this direction, and we intend to continue building on this momentum." This is HGreg's second Mercure award, having also been honoured in 2023 by Investissement Québec in the Productivity Increase category. About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Thanks to its vast network of 130 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Québec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment. About HGreg Established in 1993, HGreg is committed to simplifying the car-buying process through its core values of excellence in customer service, transparency, smart use of technology and a refreshing customer-focused philosophy. Supported by a passionate team of car enthusiasts, HGreg operates dealerships in Québec and the U.S., offering both new and pre-owned vehicles. For more information, visit


Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
HGreg receives a Mercure Award in the EDC International Market Development category
MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last night, HGreg was honoured at the 2025 Mercuriades Awards ceremony, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), by receiving the Mercure Award in the EDC International Market Development category. The company was also a finalist in the TELUS Technology Innovation category. The EDC International Market Development Award recognizes the exceptional performance of a Québec company that has implemented an export or foreign direct investment strategy that has led to tangible growth in international markets. HGreg, already well established in Canada, has distinguished itself by the strategic expansion of its activities in the United States, particularly in Houston, where it has experienced sustained growth since the opening of its first dealership in 2023. Quebec-based automotive group is now present in three largest U.S. car markets – Florida, California and Texas. 'This recognition is a testament to the strategic vision we have been pursuing for several years: to promote our business model well beyond Quebec,' said John Hairabedian, President of HGreg. 'Today, HGrégoire has more than 48 new and pre-owned vehicle dealerships across North America and now sells more vehicles in the United States than in Quebec. But it all started here in Quebec. The lessons learned here were the springboard for our international success. The expansion of our activities represents a major step in this direction, and we intend to continue building on this momentum.' This is HGreg's second Mercure award, having also been honoured in 2023 by Investissement Québec in the Productivity Increase category. About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Thanks to its vast network of 130 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Québec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment. About HGreg Established in 1993, HGreg is committed to simplifying the car-buying process through its core values of excellence in customer service, transparency, smart use of technology and a refreshing customer-focused philosophy. Supported by a passionate team of car enthusiasts, HGreg operates dealerships in Québec and the U.S., offering both new and pre-owned vehicles. For more information, visit

Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
HGREG Named a Finalist in Two Prestigious Mercuriades Awards Categories
MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 17, 2025-- HGreg is among the finalists in the TELUS Technological Innovation and EDC International Market Development categories of the 2025 Mercuriades Awards, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: The TELUS Technological Innovation Award recognizes a development initiative, or the integration of a digital platform aimed at improving a business process, service or product. The EDC International Market Development Award honours an export or foreign direct investment strategy that has led to the international expansion of a market. 'Being a finalist in these prestigious categories is a testament to our constant drive to innovate and step outside the boundaries, both in terms of technology and the development of new markets,' stated John Hairabedian, President of HGreg. 'This recognition reflects the hard work of our teams and our commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience to our customers.' Created in 1981 by the FCCQ, the Mercuriades Awards competition sheds light on Québec companies—both SMEs and large corporations—that distinguish themselves through innovation, growth and leadership. In 2024, Québec-based automotive group HGreg was a finalist in the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Entrepreneurship category in addition to taking top honours in the Investissement Québec Productivity Growth category in 2023. Winners will be unveiled during the awards gala on May 5, 2025. Thanks to its vast network of 130 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Québec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment. About HGreg Established in 1993, HGreg is committed to simplifying the car-buying process through its core values of excellence in customer service, transparency, smart use of technology and a refreshing customer-focused philosophy. Supported by a passionate team of car enthusiasts, HGreg operates dealerships in Québec and the U.S., offering both new and pre-owned vehicles. For more information, visit Noémia L'Heureux-Daigneault HGreg 450 472-7272, extension 1183 [email protected] Bedros 514-250-2332 SOURCE: HGrégoire Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/17/2025 10:07 AM/DISC: 03/17/2025 10:06 AM
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HGREG Named a Finalist in Two Prestigious Mercuriades Awards Categories
MONTRÉAL, March 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HGreg is among the finalists in the TELUS Technological Innovation and EDC International Market Development categories of the 2025 Mercuriades Awards, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). The TELUS Technological Innovation Award recognizes a development initiative, or the integration of a digital platform aimed at improving a business process, service or product. The EDC International Market Development Award honours an export or foreign direct investment strategy that has led to the international expansion of a market. "Being a finalist in these prestigious categories is a testament to our constant drive to innovate and step outside the boundaries, both in terms of technology and the development of new markets," stated John Hairabedian, President of HGreg. "This recognition reflects the hard work of our teams and our commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience to our customers." Created in 1981 by the FCCQ, the Mercuriades Awards competition sheds light on Québec companies—both SMEs and large corporations—that distinguish themselves through innovation, growth and leadership. In 2024, Québec-based automotive group HGreg was a finalist in the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Entrepreneurship category in addition to taking top honours in the Investissement Québec Productivity Growth category in 2023. Winners will be unveiled during the awards gala on May 5, 2025. About the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec Thanks to its vast network of 130 chambers of commerce and 1,100 corporate members, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 50,000 businesses operating in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec. The FCCQ is the largest network of businesspeople and companies in Québec and is both a federation of chambers of commerce and a provincial chamber of commerce. Its members, whether chambers or companies, all pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative, competitive and sustainable business environment. About HGreg Established in 1993, HGreg is committed to simplifying the car-buying process through its core values of excellence in customer service, transparency, smart use of technology and a refreshing customer-focused philosophy. Supported by a passionate team of car enthusiasts, HGreg operates dealerships in Québec and the U.S., offering both new and pre-owned vehicles. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts For more information Noémia L'Heureux-DaigneaultHGreg450 472-7272, extension 1183noemia@ Aline BedrosTorchia Communications514-250-2332aline@ Sign in to access your portfolio