Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon skipped the Canada-EU summit in Montreal on Thursday, saying Ottawa’s offer left him without a meaningful role in representing the province. His absence highlighted a dispute over Quebec’s place in a gathering focused on relations between Canada and the European Union.
The premier had earlier challenged Ottawa’s plan for Quebec’s role at the summit. In a statement posted Oct. 28, he said he would not accept a position that prevented him from speaking or negotiating for Quebec. Global News and CityNews reported that the province’s chief diplomat, Pascal Paradis, attended in his place.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the offer in the House of Commons on Oct. 28. He said it included a chance for St-Pierre Plamondon to welcome European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as a private discussion with both leaders at Carney’s table. Carney also said Quebec’s official delegation had taken part in four meetings about terms for a new agreement.
The accounts frame the disagreement differently: St-Pierre Plamondon focused on his ability to represent Quebec in speaking and negotiations, while Carney outlined the access he said had been offered. CityNews reported that Paradis called Quebec’s requests “legitimate, normal, and natural.”
The 21st EU-Canada summit opened Oct. 29 and is scheduled through Friday, Oct. 30. The European Council’s agenda includes trade, digital issues, critical raw materials, defense and security, education, research and innovation, and youth. Canada said the gathering aimed to advance a broader partnership; the European Council said leaders were expected to pursue an “alliance for the future” with initiatives to deepen economic relations and cooperation.
Leaders are expected to issue a joint statement at the summit’s close on Oct. 30.
