Canada · 5 d ago
Quebec's chief diplomat says Ottawa must adjust after the Canada-EU summit
On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney avoided answering a question on the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine directly. Quebec says it heard "surprising" remarks from him.
The doctrine
Gérin-Lajoie doctrine
The doctrine, set out in 1965, says Quebec exercises its constitutional powers abroad, such as education and health, along with shared ones like the environment.
"We can't disrespect Quebec by depriving it of official voices when an international summit like this one takes place here, in Montreal. Quebec must take part."
— Pascal Paradis, Quebec's chief diplomat
Paradis, just named chief diplomat of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's new government, says Quebec made clear it will not let Ottawa act as a screen in its relations with the EU. "I hope the message was understood," he said.
