Quebec Premier Urges Prime Minister to Let Him Speak at Canada‑EU Summit

The 21st Canada‑EU summit is scheduled to open on Thursday in Montreal, according to the Prime Minister’s office. Prime Minister Mark Carney has declined Quebec Premier Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon’s request for a speaking slot, leaving the premier’s participation uncertain.

St‑Pierre Plamondon’s appeal

The premier arrived at the National Assembly in Quebec City on Wednesday for a private meeting with Conservative leader Éric Duhaime. He urged Carney to reverse the decision, saying, > "It's never too late to do the right thing," and invoked the Gérin‑Lajoie doctrine that asserts Quebec’s right to defend its jurisdiction and interests internationally. He also highlighted Quebec’s negative trade balance with the European Union as a reason for a seat at the table.

Federal response

Carney told reporters in Ottawa that his office offered St‑Pierre Plamondon the honour of welcoming the President of the European Commission to Montreal and that he had personally invited the premier to dinner at his table, stating, > "I myself invited him to dinner, at my table, with [the president]." The offer does not include a guaranteed speaking slot.

Political commentary

During the same meeting, Duhaime criticised Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s claim that geopolitics falls solely under federal jurisdiction, saying, > "I read the Constitution three times yesterday before going to bed, and I haven't seen that anywhere." He described the federal approach as "dominant" and "toxic" but still urged the premier to attend the summit to advance Quebecers’ interests, adding, > "You never win by leaving an empty chair and sulking in a corner."