Tensions between PM, Quebec premier continue to flare in new tiff over U.S. relations

Résumé détaillé

Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon sent letters to U.S. elected officials, as part of his intention to negotiate directly with American states. The move appeared to irritate Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said, "in a negotiation, it's always a good idea to have a single negotiator."

The relationship between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has gotten off to a rocky start over the past couple of weeks.

The most recent incident happened on Tuesday. Carney was at a news conference in Montreal — highlighting his government's commitment in last week's federal budget to invest in culture — when he was asked about the Quebec government's intention to negotiate directly with American states.

The question came following news that Paul St. Pierre Plamondon had sent letters to 59 newly elected U.S. officials, including Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and re-elected governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.

In the letters, the premier wrote about Quebec's trade relationship with each state, and invited the state representatives to work directly with a Quebec delegate on "new projects and initiatives for the benefit of our respective populations."

That gestured appeared to irk the prime minister. When he was asked about the Quebec premier's efforts, Carney pointed out that "the executive branch, the president, and the American courts," are still the decision-makers for agreements and trade initiatives.

"Secondly," he said, "in a negotiation, it's always a good idea to have a single negotiator."

He then stated that this responsibility lies with the federal government.

“Mr. Carney dreams of us not putting on our skates and never setting foot on the ice because he wants the rink all to himself," he said.

He said the letters are something other governments have done before, and that he's doing what he believes is in the best interest of the province.

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