Quebec premier skips the Canada-EU summit as it opens in Montreal

The summit began Thursday without Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who wanted to speak and was offered a head-table seat at the dinner instead. Quebec sent its chief diplomat, Pascal Paradis.

“I will always refuse to see Quebec reduced to the role of spectator.”

— Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon

Carney says there were four meetings with Quebec officials and he will keep practising co-operative federalism. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the door stays open.

Why it matters

A scholar says Quebec could still refuse to implement parts of any agreement that touch its powers. The summit continues Friday.