Quebec’s new separatist government wants a bigger role in EU ties
The province is staking a claim in areas like natural resources as new Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon envisages a longer-term push for independence.
Quebec's new separatist government is seeking a more prominent role in EU affairs during the ongoing EU-Canada summit in Montreal. The Parti Québécois, now in power with a minority government, has pledged to assert greater control over the province's affairs and potentially hold another independence referendum. Hélène Drainville, the province's delegate general to the EU institutions, emphasized that Quebec must be at the table, and Canada recognizes this need.
Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa for a summit aimed at strengthening relations after trade tensions with the US. Von der Leyen even proposed making Canada an "associate member" of the EU, though some member states find this offer too ambitious.
The summit declaration includes a digital trade deal, a pact for financing Canadian critical minerals projects through the European Investment Bank, and a shipment of water bombers for European emergency services. Quebec, the second-largest province by population, has extensive powers over natural resources, education, and health, with deposits of 22 of the EU's 34 critical minerals.
While Canada negotiates the umbrella agreement, Quebec will focus on areas within its jurisdiction. The new government has not yet declared its stance on Europe, but if it decides to expand its network abroad, it will likely turn these delegations into embassies and consulates.
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