Tensions between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon have continued to grow, with their latest disagreement centred on relations with the United States.
The latest dispute emerged on Tuesday when Carney addressed a news conference in Montreal. The event focused on his government’s commitment, announced in last week’s federal budget, to increase investment in the cultural sector.
During the briefing, Carney was questioned about Quebec’s plans to establish direct negotiations with individual American states.
The question followed reports that St-Pierre Plamondon had sent letters to 59 newly elected US officials. The recipients included Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, who secured re-election.
Carney appeared dissatisfied with the Quebec government’s independent outreach effort. Responding to the issue, he stressed the importance of maintaining a unified negotiating position with Washington, saying that having a single representative is generally preferable during negotiations.
The disagreement highlights growing friction between the federal government and Quebec’s leadership over who should represent Canadian interests in dealings with American counterparts.
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