The Canada-European Union summit got underway in Montreal Thursday without Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, as his decision to stay away continued to draw criticism amid a dispute with Ottawa over Quebec’s role at the international gathering.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among the high-profile European leaders in Montreal for the two-day summit, delivering remarks in English as meetings began Thursday, with Canada and the European Union looking to deepen their commercial and diplomatic relationship.
St-Pierre Plamondon chose not to attend after saying he would not accept being reduced to the role of a “spectator” without the opportunity to speak or negotiate on Quebec’s behalf.
Instead, the premier sent Quebec’s chief diplomat, Pascal Paradis, to represent the province. Paradis defended the premier’s decision Thursday, saying Quebec’s request to speak at the summit was normal and legitimate.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the door remained open for St-Pierre Plamondon to attend. “If he changes his mind and still wants to come, I’ll be happy to welcome him with open arms,” she said.
The premier had been invited to dinner at the head table alongside von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, but demanded an official opportunity to speak.
In a statement Wednesday evening, St-Pierre Plamondon blasted Quebec’s treatment ahead of the EU summit, saying he would not accept the province “falling into line” and being marginalized on the international stage. “As premier, I will always refuse to see Quebec reduced to the role of spectator when it comes to representing and protecting the economic and political interests of Quebecers,” he wrote.
He also sent a letter to European representatives arguing that the federal government had decided to exclude Quebec from discussions at the summit and questioning whether Quebec would apply any new agreements that are signed.
Former federal foreign affairs adviser Louis Hamann described the dispute as embarrassing for those involved. “It certainly looks over the last few days that we’ve been living through a bad Halloween horror movie,” Hamann said.
He said the disagreement was putting European officials in the middle of a domestic dispute. “The Europeans, I mean, imagine being in their shoes. They show up here, they land in Montreal, and they’re essentially walking into a family fight,” he said.
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Hamann also warned St-Pierre Plamondon’s letter could have longer-lasting consequences. “That letter was pretty spicy,” he said.
“These words are not going to be forgotten easily. They’re not going to be forgotten in Ottawa, and they’re not gonna be forgotten in Brussels either.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed back against the premier’s assertion that Quebec had been excluded, saying there had been four meetings with Quebec officials to discuss the summit.
Carney said he hoped to continue practicing what he called co-operative federalism with St-Pierre Plamondon. “I’ve found that that’s worked in all the other cases, so I’ll continue to practice that and be available to work with Monsieur St-Pierre Plamondon for the interests of Quebec,” Carney said.
Paradis, meanwhile, said he would be at the table to represent Quebec’s interests in discussions with the federal government and European Union.
The premier had previously said he wrote directly to EU representatives to argue that agreements involving Europe and Quebec must go through the Quebec government, particularly when a summit is being held in the province.
He also invited European representatives to hold a bilateral discussion “in a better context” that would allow Quebec to participate rather than be excluded.
Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard has criticized the premier for staying away, arguing a letter to European representatives is no substitute for attending the summit.
“A letter does not replace a presence at the table,” Milliard said Wednesday. “The premier says he wants to meet with European leaders, but refuses to take part in the Canada-EU summit being held on our soil.”
Milliard accused St-Pierre Plamondon of passing up an opportunity to defend Quebec’s interests.
“Diplomacy requires building relationships and seizing opportunities to defend our interests. Not sulking because we don’t have a microphone,” he said. “Our partners will be at the table. The premier of Quebec, for his part, will leave his chair empty.”
Milliard added: “I’ll say it again: being absent means being the loser. What a lack of leadership.”
Hamann also questioned what the dispute could mean for St-Pierre Plamondon’s relationship with the federal government in the weeks and months ahead. “If he is to react that way, in this case, imagine how he’ll react with all the other things that are coming down the pike,” he said.
The Canada-EU summit is set to conclude Friday with announcements on digital trade and academic exchanges.
–with files from The Canadian Press
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The summit is not pro-Canada. It does not have your interests and concerns at heart.
This is disappointing, but not surprising. A Quebec Premier boycotting a summit that is pro Canada is par for the course.
As a provincial host to this meeting, it seems to me that it is a courtesy to allow the premier of the host province to speak a welcome to his province. It’s all about good manners.
I would not expect anything as a surprise coming out of Quebec…
Carney SHOULD wake up ….. if Quebec does not want to have anything to do with CANADA, Carney should STOP kissing their asses … no help, no meetings (hotels, restaurants make money)…NOTHING!!!!!!! There are plenty of cities and towns who would love to host these type of things. Trump and Plamondon what a HORRIBLE pair. LOL
Is Mr St-Pierre Plamondon competing with Trump for Toddler of the Year?
The PQ leader posturing for the faithful so we are back to Quebec pretending it’s already a country within a country. Its not. You tax your big share of the national money pot quite happily but that does not put Quebec in charge. Or Alberta or any other province.
My comments demonstrate the true meaning of bird brain.
Les enfants devraient mieux êtres observés et nons écoutés.
If only we had a leader who instead of alienating provinces would actually work for unity.::
On a different note anyone notice that ALL recent elections in Canada are bringing CHANGE in a landslide? QC ,BC , municipal elections except Toronto of course?
A clear indication that change is in the air
Very silly. Quebec is PART of CANADA, and frankly, one of the most European parts of Canada due to that French influence. So this makes zero sense. Then again, separatism in general makes zero sense.
What the separatists of Quebec fail to realize time and again: there is NOTHING unique about Quebecois French-Canadiens. French-Canadiens exist in every other province (I’m half myself), with large populations in Ontario and New Brunswick. If anything, I’d say the Acadians are more unique culturally than the Quebecois, and you don’t see them whining about splitting off from Canada. Silly.
Trust Alison Redford to come up with a petty comment that has nothing to do with the discussion. Alison you were bounced for a reason,try & remember that & stick to your pension grab as thats bad enough.
With the support of 28% of the electorate and an approval rating of 34%, PSPP has a clear mandate to cut off his nose to spite his face. Best do it quickly, because historically, leaders in his position have about 18-24 months before they are gone and one for the history books.
Am i hearing that the affluent EU contries dont need any more beggars at their door?
im cool with that.
All these new deals will long outlive Trump. Food for thought.
Why do certain people in Quebec think they are entitled????
Those two should get a room!
Yet again the spoiled child of Canada, Quebec is stomping its feet because it isn’t the queen of the ball at a meeting of the overbearing and authoritarian regime known as the EU. Despite Carney’s undemocratic attempt to make Canada subservient to that regime, his attempt has been rejected by Germany, France, Italy and Greece among others. So the wannabe dictator and his little princess are feeling dejected and frustrated. TOO BAD !!!
This is between Carney and Ursula von der Leyen. Even the EU countries leaders are wondering where this cr@p came from.
The summit was nothing but a photo op
An expensive one
We already have CETA for trade and the “ associate membership” was firmly rejected by EU
Just Carney showing off again
And Danielle Smith just got caught advising separatists so what’s the diff?
Traitors are just that.
Can’t say I blame him.
Stupid decision, but he’s a separatist.
Figures he hid.
Well this gives the EU another excuse to not deal with Canada. Carney and this Liberal government can’t even control the demands of Quebec what a joke. The federal governments over the years have created this monster of Quebec by telling them how special they are and allowing them to do things other provinces would never have been allowed to do. Quebec is not special and not powerful even though they have delusions of grandeur. Another total embarrassing moment for Canada on the world stage. Canadians call down Trump on his behaviour maybe they should take a good hard look at what’s going on within Canada and our politicians behaviour at all levels.
Boo-Hoo…
We should stay away from EU and not get involved in their mess. We don’t want to be dragged into EU war with Russia.
Let Quebec join the EU on their own. Who needs them?
So, we’re back to typical Quebec whining and wanting to be viewed as “exceptional” in front of the other provinces. The spoiled child is back, watch him hold his breath and throw a tantrum.
I think someone misread the constitution Act . Of the 1867 Under section 92
Popular Vote Share: 28% of those who voted chose the PQ. This represents the lowest popular vote percentage for a winning party in Quebec’s history
Favourability: 34% of Quebecers view Paul St-Pierre Plamondon positively.
With this latest move, nowhere to go but further down.
Makes complete sense to people who actually pay attention to facts instead of narratives though
Hold the meeting in New Brunswick next time, or Manitoba. Hold it in a province where people don’t make everything about themselves/their province (i.e., ON, QC, AB, BC).
Associate member means Junior member and Baby Brother of EU?
Anyone following this would have predicted this. It should have never been held in Quebec. The Federal government should have vetted this issue before deciding where to host. I am embarrassed too.
How ironic would it be if Quebec ends up saving Canada from Carney?
Let’s start with eliminating equalization payments to Quebec.
Watch how quickly they fall into line when their cash is threatened.
So what? Its a meaningless venture by a complete fraud.
Please could somebody please actually have stated who’s actual “heads were turned”?
Separatist Premier St-Pierre Plamondon does not speak for Canada. Canada’s international relations and foreign policy are the responsibility of the Federal government, not one Province. He’s trying to create winning conditions for a referendum and the attempt made him look like a whiny toddler.
What an embarrassment. Mirroring Trump moves. Whaaaat, I’m not King!
Whining like a baby’s. Should act a s a leader instead of always complaining. You are a part of Canada currently and not a separate country to ask for superseding Federal government.
Turns heads, whose heads, I doubt heads were turned.
He sounds and acts like a toddler, because he can’t make a speech. He was invited chose not to go.
He is such a whiner…
Jeffery daily is a supremacist. Dude has racist ass flags all over his place in Alberta. Sounds like you’re ready to kick round up the minorities.
This may be the first time I agree with a Quebec politician. He has my support.
Who Cares?
Been a year and a half Marko and not seeing a lot of change .
Oh wait a minute, there has been change. Groceries have gotten more expensive.
Appears that somebody was lying.
Good, he is one of the few to not go along with selling Canada to the lowest bidder, not many have the balls to stand up to the fascist dictator carney and his Brookfield government.
Does anyone know what he signed with the ccp? Or what the intentions of joining the eu has? Because Canada hardly does any trade with that whole collection of countries compared to the US.
Hell most countries in the eu are sick of the progressive idealogy destroying their own countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain etc etc.
Canada shouldn’t be part of the eu else goodbye sovereignty in Canada and hello even more fascism.
Isn’t antifa against fascism? Why aren’t they against this?
It would be embarrassing if the Quebec premier spoke. He would speak in Quebec French which is slang French and not proper French. That would be embarrassing at such a summit.
Likely the Quebec premier will go on a trip to Mar a Lago to solicit some American $$ to destabilize Canada like D. Smith did.
Cut off the transfer payment ts99%.
boo hoo frenchie