Politics · Canada · 2 hrs ago
Quebec premier presses Carney for speaking role at Canada-EU summit
A dispute over Quebec's role at the Canada-EU summit has pitted Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon against Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The summit is due to open Thursday in Montreal, where Canadian and European leaders will meet.
St-Pierre Plamondon says Quebec needs a voice because the talks involve the province's economic interests, including its trade with the European Union.
Carney has not given him speaking time, but says he invited him to dinner with the European Commission president.
The premier is urging Carney to reverse that decision, while his attendance remains uncertain.
The disagreement reflects a wider argument over whether Quebec can represent its interests internationally or whether that role belongs to the federal government.
If St-Pierre Plamondon attends, he will be able to join the dinner and summit events, but the sources do not say he will be allowed to speak.
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says he will boycott the Canada-EU summit in Montreal after being denied a speaking role.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the premier is invited to attend a dinner and has urged him to reconsider staying away.
St-Pierre Plamondon argues Quebec needs a place at the table to defend its economic interests and says the decision shows a lack of respect.
The summit is scheduled to open Thursday, with events running Thursday and Friday.
Quebec opposition figures disagree on the boycott, with some urging the premier to attend despite the dispute.
- Who
- Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Prime Minister Mark Carney are at the centre of the dispute.
- What
- St-Pierre Plamondon plans to boycott the Canada-EU summit after being denied speaking time; Carney has invited him to a dinner.
- When
- The dispute was reported on October 27 and 28, 2026. The summit is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
- Where
- Montreal, Quebec.
- Why
- St-Pierre Plamondon says Quebec needs a role in discussions affecting its economic interests and has accused Ottawa of disrespecting and muzzling the province.
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
Federal government
Speaking role
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
St-Pierre Plamondon says Quebec should have a place at the summit to defend its interests and has called on Carney to reverse the decision.
Federal government
Carney has denied the premier speaking time, but says he is invited to dinner and can use it to build relationships with European leaders.
Attendance
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
St-Pierre Plamondon has said he plans to boycott the summit.
Federal government
Carney says the premier is choosing to leave an empty chair and hopes he will reconsider.
St-Pierre Plamondon did not participate in a meeting between the federal government, provincial premiers and First Nations.
St-Pierre Plamondon accused the federal government of attempting to muzzle him over his role at the summit.
St-Pierre Plamondon called on Carney to reverse the decision denying him a speech, while Carney urged him to reconsider attending.
The Canada-EU summit is scheduled to take place in Montreal.
- Premier
- Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
- Prime minister
- Mark Carney
- Summit location
- Montreal
- Summit schedule
- Thursday and Friday
- Proposed speaking role
- St-Pierre Plamondon was denied speaking time at the summit
- Dinner invitation
- Carney invited the Quebec premier to dinner with the European Commission president
4 sources
Carney says Quebec premier is missing a 'valuable chance' for diplomacy at EU summit
Quebec premier wants Carney to 'do the right thing,' let him speak at Canada-EU summit
Quebec’s separatist leader threatens to play spoiler at Carney’s EU summit
St-Pierre Plamondon to boycott Canada-EU summit amid dispute with Ottawa
What people are saying
It's never too late to do the right thing
This is not only a serious lack of respect, but, more importantly, a significant setback for Quebec’s ability to act autonomously and to defend its own interests,
In my view, this is a great opportunity, a very useful opportunity to have conversations and build relationships for him with the president of the European Union.
You never win by leaving an empty chair and sulking in a corner.