The separatist Premier of Quebec, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, announced that he will withdraw from the EU-Canada summit taking place in Montreal on Thursday. He warned European leaders that agreements made without the approval of his government may not be implemented in the second largest province in the country.
Criticism of the Federal Government
St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed his absence in an open letter to the European delegation on Wednesday. This announcement came after two days of public dispute with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who faced criticism for not allowing him to speak at the summit. In his letter, he wrote in French: "This creates uncertainty regarding the application of your agreements during the summit."
Read more: A judge held a session to review Trump's claim about golf course changes
Absence from the Negotiation Table
In the letter, St-Pierre Plamondon stated that his government has been sidelined from negotiations, which means there is no seat at the negotiation table and no opportunity to speak, despite the summit being held on Quebec soil. He argued that under Canada's federal system, provinces implement international agreements that fall within their jurisdiction. He also accused the federal government of failing to provide vital information regarding the negotiations.
St-Pierre Plamondon suggested meeting with European leaders in the near future under more suitable conditions. He also stated that Quebec's senior diplomat, Pascal Paradis, will attend the summit in his place.
Mark Carney said on Wednesday that his office had offered the Premier the opportunity to attend as the host of the Commission President in Montreal and sit at the leaders' table. He expressed hope that St-Pierre Plamondon would reconsider. On Tuesday, the Canadian Prime Minister accused him of "once again choosing an empty seat."
This dispute has affected the positive atmosphere surrounding the summit. The Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, have described the summit as a milestone. Leaders will launch the "Future Union" at this summit, which will provide a framework for shared prosperity and economic security.
St-Pierre Plamondon noted in his letter that many of the summit's topics are related to Quebec's responsibilities, including health, education, and natural resources. He has also been seeking to establish his connections with European leaders. He had a phone call on Monday with Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and said that the two agreed on a possible meeting in France in the coming weeks.
At the working level, relations have been maintained so far, and officials have described them as constructive. Hélène D'Ainville, Quebec's representative in Brussels, announced last week that Quebec is in talks with the European Investment Bank and the Commission, and "all signs are green."
Read more: A high-speed train accident in Spain claimed at least 30 lives · Turkey and Libya signed a new maritime agreement that escalates tensions with Greece and the European Union
