Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon clashed in Montreal on Tuesday over the province’s direct outreach to American officials.
The friction began after St-Pierre Plamondon sent letters to 59 newly elected U.S. officials, including Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, according to cbc.ca. The letters invited the state representatives to work directly with a Quebec delegate on new projects. Carney responded at a news conference by emphasizing that the executive branch, the president, and American courts remain the decision-makers for trade initiatives. "Secondly, in a negotiation, it’s always a good idea to have a single negotiator," Carney said, adding that the responsibility belongs to the federal government.
Quebec Premier Rejects Federal Pushback
St-Pierre Plamondon dismissed the prime minister’s remarks during a Tuesday press conference in Quebec City following a meeting with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet.
Summit Boycott Deepens Ottawa Friction
The trade dispute follows an earlier diplomatic disagreement between the two leaders earlier this month. St-Pierre Plamondon skipped the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal after Carney denied him speaking time, sending Quebec’s chief diplomat, Pascal Paradis, in his place.
Carney maintained that the premier chose to leave his seat empty. Meanwhile, Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard criticized the boycott, stating that "sulking isn’t an option" and arguing it marks a poor start for intergovernmental relations.
Francophonie Summit Meeting Scheduled
The two leaders have yet to hold an in-person meeting since St-Pierre Plamondon was sworn into office on Oct. 21. While Carney’s schedule has not accommodated a visit to Quebec City campaigned in Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot-Acton on Tuesday ahead of a Dec. 7 byelection. Carney and St-Pierre Plamondon are scheduled to meet later this month at the Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Carney-Plamondon Dispute
Why is Quebec contacting U.S. state officials directly?
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon initiated a diplomatic outreach campaign following the U.S. midterms, sending 59 letters to newly elected governors and senators to open channels of communication regarding trade and regional projects.
Who is representing Quebec in trade negotiations?
Pascal Paradis, Quebec’s chief diplomat, has taken over the province’s trade file and acts as chief negotiator following the premier’s withdrawal from the Canada-EU summit.
When will Mark Carney and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon meet?
The prime minister and the Quebec premier are set to hold their first in-person meeting later this month at the Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
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