Carney says Quebec premier is missing a ‘valuable chance’ for diplomacy at EU summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney waits for the arrival of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. Photo by HYUNGCHEOL PARK /Postmedia

Article content

OTTAWA — The game of chicken continues between Ottawa and Quebec on the eve of the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal.

Article content

On Wednesday morning, Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to “reverse his decision” and let him speak at a dinner to be held Thursday evening with European dignitaries and business groups at the summit.

Article content

Article content

Article content

“I always indicated I wanted a productive relationship with Ottawa, but I also indicated I wanted a relationship of respect,” St-Pierre Plamondon told reporters in Quebec City.

Article content

Article content

“It is not respectful to not give a place to the premier of Quebec at an event in Quebec, where Quebec’s economic interests are being negotiated,” he added.

Article content

“It’s never too late to do the right thing.”

Article content

Carney said his office extended two invitations for the new Quebec premier to be involved during the summit and reiterated that those offers still stand.

Article content

First, that he welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the European Council President António Costa at their arrival in Montreal on Thursday. The second offer is to sit with them at the head table at dinner.

Article content

“In my view, this is a very valuable chance for him to engage in conversation and build relationships with the presidents of the European Union, and also an opportunity for Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon and me to strengthen our own relationship,” Carney said.

Article content

The prime minister said he hopes that St-Pierre Plamondon will “reconsider.”

Article content

Article content

The relationship between both men — who have yet to meet in person — quickly soured this week after it was revealed that the federal government turned down the Quebec premier’s request to directly address the attendees at the summit.

Article content

Article content

“Not only does the federal government refuse to consult Quebec or involve it in the negotiations, but it also seeks to impose economic decisions that fall within Quebec’s areas of jurisdiction — a complete departure from the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine,” he wrote.

Article content

The Gérin-Lajoie doctrine, named after a former minister, refers to Quebec’s desire to have strong and autonomist international action in all areas falling within its territory.

Article content

It has long been challenged by Ottawa, which considers international relations under its sole jurisdiction.

Article content

St-Pierre Plamondon has still not said if he or his representatives will attend the dinner.

Article content

“The federal government would have us believe that the Premier of Quebec obtaining permission to serve shrimp cocktail at a reception constitutes an acceptable and sufficient form of influence in representing Quebec’s interests,” he wrote Tuesday.