Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon had not confirmed by Wednesday morning whether he would attend this week’s EU-Canada summit in Montreal, as he pressed Ottawa over his request to address leaders.
The European Council lists the meeting, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29-30, as the 21st EU-Canada summit. At a Wednesday morning news conference, St-Pierre Plamondon urged the federal government to reverse its decision on his speaking request, The Canadian Press reported.
He argued that Quebec should have a voice at a summit in the province where economic interests affecting it are under discussion, the news service reported. He also invoked the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine to argue that Quebec can defend its jurisdiction and interests abroad.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the invitation for St-Pierre Plamondon to join a dinner with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remained open, according to The Canadian Press. “I hope he will reconsider,” Carney said. The Prime Minister’s Office separately said Carney would host a dinner for the two EU leaders during the summit.
Earlier EconoTimes coverage of the dispute reported Carney saying St-Pierre Plamondon had declined a dinner invitation; Carney said Wednesday that he hoped the premier would reconsider, The Canadian Press reported. The Canadian Press report also recounted Carney saying the premier had chosen to leave an “empty chair.”
The Canadian government says its proposed partnership with the EU aims to give consumers more choice and lower costs, open export markets for businesses and create opportunities for young people. The European Council’s agenda includes trade, digital links and critical raw materials, as well as defence, security, education, research, innovation and youth. Leaders plan to issue a joint statement when the summit concludes Friday.
