WATCH: Former premier Jean Charest talks trade tariffs and response to Trump

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest said Canadian leaders need to remain 'cool' and 'keep our cards close to our chest' when dealing with Trump on tariffs.

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest is on the front lines of a looming trade war, as Canada prepares to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of sweeping tariffs – possibly as soon as Feb. 1.

“In our response we need to stay cool, and keep our cards close to our vest,” said Charest.

Charest is part of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations. He was at a meeting in Montebello, Quebec on Tuesday, where prime minister Justin Trudeau is holding a brief cabinet retreat focused on the Canada-U.S. trade strategy.

Watch the full interview with CTV News Montreal anchor Maya Johnson in the video player above.