Quebec Premier Denied Speaking Role at Canada-EU Summit

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of excluding him from the Canada-EU Summit in Montreal. Carney instead offered Plamondon a role as a tarmac dignitary greeter and a non-speaking seat at a diplomatic dinner on Thursday.

The summit, held on Thursday and Friday, focuses on refining the upgraded political and economic relationship between Canada and the European Union. Both allies are described as recovering from what the text calls a dangerously deranged America.

“The federal government has decided to exclude Quebec from the discussions that will take place there.”

Originally, the EU sought to grant Canada an unprecedented associate member status. However, reservations have reportedly been raised by some EU member states.

Carney stated that his invitation for Plamondon to join the head table dinner remains open. He said the dinner allows for personal relationships and more direct informal conversations alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Plamondon rejected the offer and demanded an official speaking role. He sent a letter to European representatives warning them against reaching an agreement without Quebec's consent.

In his letter, Plamondon reminded the federal government of its duty to consult provinces to ensure their agreement for implementing international treaties. He stated that his government has neither a seat at the negotiation table nor an opportunity to present Quebec's general orientations to European partners.

The two premiers remained firm in their positions as of Wednesday morning. Plamondon warned European dignitaries that this dynamic creates uncertainty regarding the application of agreements.