How the French language contributed to the US-Canada trade war

According to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the dispute with the nation's largest trading partner was not just about tariff demands but what he called unacceptable "threats" to the French language and "Quebec culture."Those are not typical sticking points in trade negotiations, but emotive ones in Canada, particularly in the French-speaking eastern province of Quebec, which has long sought to preserve its distinct identity.Carney said Canadian subsidies for Francophone culture, the role of Francophone online media and bilingual labeling of products sold in Canada were among the issues at stake.He described these as "fundamental rights" and said there was "a huge gap between Canadian and American perspectives."The prime minister also contended that the US wanted to destroy Canada's automotive, steel and aluminum industries, and restrict Canadian trade deals with other countries.After the breakdown of talks, Canada now faces additional tariffs on some $20 billion worth of its US exports and double tariffs on Canadian vehicles, while Carney has vowed to match the US tariffs "dollar for dollar."In Quebec, Carney's decision to break off negotiations was widely supported.A poll pub...