Quebec Premier Withdraws From Canada‑EU Summit, Sends Diplomat

The 21st Canada‑EU summit opens Thursday in Montreal without Quebec Premier Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon in attendance. In an open letter released late Wednesday, the premier announced he will be represented by Quebec’s chief diplomat Pascal Paradis.

Reason for Withdrawal St‑Pierre Plamondon had requested to address international delegates, but Prime Minister Mark Carney denied him speaking time. The premier warned that negotiating major agreements without Quebec’s consent poses “foreseeable risks and pitfalls” in areas such as health care, education and natural resources. He added that Quebec’s negative trade balance with the European Union makes it vital for the province to have a seat at the table to correct course.

"You can be assured that the interests of Quebec will continue to be adequately represented while taking into account yours and the history that unites us," the premier wrote.

Political Context The dispute, first reported Tuesday, saw Carney accuse the premier of leaving an “empty chair yet again,” referencing the premier’s absence from a prior meeting of Canada’s premiers and Indigenous leaders. Quebec Conservative leader Éric Duhaime criticised federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s claim that geopolitics falls under federal jurisdiction, calling it "toxic federalism."

Next Steps Carney said his office offered St‑Pierre Plamondon the honour of welcoming the European Commission president and invited him to dinner, hoping he will reconsider. The premier instead requested a future bilateral meeting with European leaders in a "more opportune context."