Carney and Quebec premier clash over direct talks with U.S. states

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon sent letters to 59 U.S. officials proposing that they work directly with Quebec on trade and other projects.

The letters went to newly elected officials and governors in several states, including Michigan and New Hampshire.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the federal government should be the single negotiator in talks with the United States.

He also said the U.S. president, executive branch and courts make decisions on agreements and trade initiatives.

St-Pierre Plamondon said Quebec would keep representing its interests internationally, arguing that Carney could not stop it.

Their disagreement follows an earlier dispute over Carney denying the Quebec premier speaking time at a Canada-EU summit in Montreal.

Quebec says it will continue asserting its place on the world stage in the coming months.