Quebec premier barred from speaking at Canada-EU summit in Montreal, PQ says

The Parti Québécois announced that Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s appeal to deliver a speech at the Canada-EU summit in Montreal was turned down by the federal government. In a statement the PQ described the refusal as “surreal” and argued that Quebec, which participated in CETA negotiations, should have a voice when strategic and economic deals are discussed. The party also said a request made by former premier Christine Fréchette to hold a reception on the sidelines was rejected.

Quebec Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Marie-Claude Sarrazin said the decision shows a basic lack of respect for the province and its parliamentary role. A federal source told Radio-Canada that the premier, along with other provincial leaders, will be invited to a dinner, underscoring the event’s federal character. The two-day summit on Oct. 28-29 aims to strengthen Canada-EU cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, defence, AI and energy security, following the European Commission president’s call for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member.