Canada-European Union summit in Montreal concluding with digital trade on agenda

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Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 11:44:47.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Culture, Technology, Education]

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, which concluded with announcements concerning digital trade agreements, scientific research partnerships, and university student exchanges. Culture Minister Marc Miller discussed cross-border regulatory convergence with European counterparts regarding streaming services, online child safety, and co-productions like the television series Vikings and the documentary Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend. Discussions also explored making Canada an 'associate member' of the European Union, though some member states and domestic critics raised concerns regarding ratification hurdles and terminology.

Quebec premier’s boycott of Canada-EU summit turns heads

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 01:43:00.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance, Economy]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Prime Plamondon boycotted the Canada-European Union summit held in Montreal, declining an invitation to sit at the head table alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa because he was denied an official opportunity to speak or negotiate on Quebec's behalf. Instead, the premier sent Quebec chief diplomat Pascal Paradis to represent the province while issuing a critical letter to European representatives arguing that the federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, had marginalized Quebec. Prime Minister Carney pushed back against the exclusion claims, stating that four meetings had been held with Quebec officials to discuss the summit and emphasizing a commitment to cooperative federalism.

Canada welcomes EU leaders to Montreal for talks on next steps in relationship

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 11:47:19.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Economy, Technology, Energy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders in Montreal for bilateral talks aimed at forging closer strategic and economic ties. While full European Union membership is off the table, officials are negotiating an "alliance for the future" partnership focused on business, technology, clean energy, and critical minerals. The high-level summit has also sparked domestic political tension, with Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pressing the federal government to secure a speaking role at the event.

‘Reduced to the role of spectator’: Quebec premier blasts treatment ahead of EU summit

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 17:25:00.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Prime Plamondon rejected Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to sit at the head table of the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, citing a lack of speaking and negotiating rights. St-Pierre Plamondon accused the federal government of attempting to marginalize Quebec internationally and bypass the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine, opting instead to send Quebec chief diplomat Pascal Paradis to open separate channels with European representatives. Prime Minister Carney defended the invitation as an important networking opportunity, while critics such as Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard condemned the premier's absence as a missed opportunity to defend provincial economic interests.

Quebec premier wants Carney to 'do the right thing,' let him speak at Canada-EU summit

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 17:20:17.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance, Economy]

A diplomatic and jurisdictional standoff has emerged between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon ahead of the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal. Premier St-Pierre Plamondon is refusing to attend or speak unless granted formal speaking time to address international delegates regarding Quebec's negative trade balance with the European Union, invoking the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine. Prime Minister Carney rejected the speech request—citing federal jurisdiction over geopolitics while offering the premier an invitation to dine and welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—leaving Quebec's official participation in the international trade negotiations in limbo.

Canada facing carbon tariff threat from European Union: internal documents

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Trade, Economy, Environment]

Internal Global Affairs Canada documents reveal that Canadian iron, steel, and aluminum exports face imminent carbon tariffs under the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as Canada's national carbon price of $95 per tonne is not linked to the EU's $134 per tonne system. The incoming import levy exposes approximately $2.8 billion worth of Canadian goods annually, hitting the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec particularly hard with $885 million and $792 million in exposed exports, respectively. Global Affairs Canada estimates that Canadian exporters will face substantial administrative and compliance costs, with experts warning that EU carbon tariffs could eventually add up to $150 per tonne of steel by 2034. Canadian diplomats continue to engage with the European Commission during the Canada-EU Summit in Montreal to seek exemptions or recognition for domestic industrial carbon pricing systems.

St-Pierre Plamondon to boycott Canada-EU summit amid dispute with Ottawa

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-27 17:12:44.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Governance, Trade, Diplomacy]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced a boycott of the upcoming Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, citing federal obstruction and the denial of an opportunity to address European leaders. The Parti Québécois government also stated that Ottawa rejected Quebec's request to host a parallel economic reception on the sidelines of the summit. Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the federal government's position, noting that Quebec's delegation was included in three prior consultations and that foreign affairs and international summits fall under federal jurisdiction.

PQ accuses Ottawa of muzzling Quebec during upcoming Canada-EU summit

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-27 12:20:33.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance, Economy]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon publicly denounced the federal government's refusal to allow him to speak or host a reception at the Canada-EU summit held in Montreal on October 29 and 30, 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the federal position, stating that Quebec had already participated in three trade consultations and that the premier was invited to attend summit dinners. The diplomatic friction arises amid broader European Commission proposals to grant Canada associate membership status and federal initiatives to strengthen bilateral alliances in critical minerals, defence, artificial intelligence, and energy security.

Baisse de 0,9 % des exportations internationales de marchandises du Québec en août 2026

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-10-21 09:00:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Trade, Economy]

Quebec's international merchandise exports, adjusted for seasonality and calculated in constant dollars, decreased by 0.9% in August 2026 compared to the previous month, following a 7.7% increase in July. These figures are derived from the latest international trade data released by the government. The monthly fluctuation reflects shifts in the province's cross-border commercial activity and export volumes.

PQ leader says referendum not immediate priority as he prepares to lead minority government

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 09:00:19.0
Tags: [Quebec, Governance, Affordability, Social Services, Trade]

Following the Parti Québécois election victory where the party secured 59 seats, Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced that a sovereignty referendum is not an immediate priority for his minority government. Instead, the government will focus on pressing issues including organizing a summit on homelessness, freezing salaries for National Assembly members and Crown corporation directors, creating a secretariat to review government spending and bureaucracy, and appointing a trade team to address trade tensions with the United States. St-Pierre Plamondon will require legislative collaboration with opposition parties, including the Liberals with 40 seats, the Conservative Party with 19 seats, and Québec solidaire, to pass policy initiatives.

Carney speaks with incoming Parti Québécois premier about priorities and working together

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-06 17:19:07.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Governance, Economy, Trade]

Following the Parti Québécois's minority government victory in the Quebec provincial election, Prime Minister Mark Carney and premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon held discussions regarding intergovernmental cooperation on affordable housing, critical infrastructure, electricity capacity, and mitigating U.S. tariffs. The election results left the Parti Québécois with 59 seats in the National Assembly, the Quebec Liberals with 40 seats, the Conservative Party of Quebec with 19 seats, and Québec Solidaire with 9 seats, while the Coalition Avenir Québec lost all its seats. Despite the Parti Québécois's platform committing to a third referendum on sovereignty at the end of the current U.S. administration's term, federal officials including Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Cabinet Minister Marc Miller emphasized a cooperative federal approach focused on regional economic resilience and protecting jobs.

Federal intelligence agency contacted amid U.S. interference allegations in Quebec election

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-26 02:43:14.0
Tags: [Quebec, National, Governance, Public Safety, Trade]

Amid the final stretch of the Quebec provincial election scheduled for October 5, 2026, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette contacted the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and sought a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney following allegations of U.S. political interference. The controversy stems from reports involving a U.S.-based think tank, the Defense Analyses and Research Corporation, which published an essay in February 2026 calling for the destabilization of the Canadian federation and support for sovereigntist parties like the Parti Québécois. Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Ottawa takes the allegations seriously, though federal authorities currently lack definitive proof of active interference in the electoral process.

Le Québec et la Californie tiendront une vente aux enchères conjointe d'unités d'émission de gaz à effet de serre le 18 novembre 2026

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-09-18 15:58:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Environment, Climate, Energy, Trade]

The Quebec Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have announced a joint greenhouse gas emission allowance auction scheduled for November 18, 2026. This collaborative carbon market mechanism allows both jurisdictions to jointly auction emission units under their linked cap-and-trade systems. Further details regarding the auction notice will be published by the participating regulatory bodies.

Hausse de 7,2 % des exportations internationales de marchandises du Québec en juillet 2026

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-09-18 09:00:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Trade, Economy]

Quebec's international merchandise exports, adjusted for seasonality and expressed in constant dollars, increased by 7.2 percent in July 2026 compared to the previous month. This follows a 4.0 percent decrease recorded in June 2026. The data comes from the latest international trade statistics released by the Government of Quebec.

Guerre tarifaire avec les États-Unis - Le gouvernement du Québec annonce de nouvelles mesures pour protéger et diversifier l'économie

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-09-07 21:47:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Trade, Economy, Industry]

In response to new tariffs recently imposed by the United States, the Government of Quebec announced new economic measures on September 7, 2026, aimed at protecting and diversifying the provincial economy, businesses, and regions. The package is designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of cross-border trade barriers and safeguard key economic sectors across Quebec.

Trump to Canadian plane maker Bombardier: You can't sell in U.S. unless you build in U.S.

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-07 20:11:43.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Industry, Transportation]

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to block Montreal-based airplane manufacturer Bombardier from selling its aircraft in the United States unless the company shifts its manufacturing stateside. The trade escalation coincides with Canada's planned wave of counter-tariffs against the United States. Despite the political rhetoric, Bombardier already maintains a significant U.S. presence with 3,500 workers, 2,800 suppliers, factories, and service centres, while its private jets remain compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Frechette holds mid-campaign cabinet meeting ahead of counter-tariffs

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-06 21:40:26.0
Tags: [Quebec, National, Trade, Economy, Industry, Governance]

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called a special virtual cabinet meeting for Monday, putting her provincial election campaign temporarily on hold ahead of retaliatory Canadian tariffs taking effect on September 8, 2026. The counter-tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 per cent on U.S. goods including dairy, steel, copper, and select beauty products, are a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. The federal government previously briefed its advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations—including chief U.S. trade negotiator Janice Charette—on planned support for affected workers and businesses, while federal and provincial opposition leaders criticized the timing as political positioning.

VIA Rail cars to be made in Canada for 1st time in 40 years, Carney says

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-03 15:40:02.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Quebec, Transportation, Infrastructure, Trade, Industry]

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $4.7 billion contract to build and maintain 313 new passenger cars for VIA Rail domestically in Canada, marking the first time in 40 years that the rail cars will be produced in the country rather than the United States. The manufacturing will be executed by Alstom at its plant in Thunder Bay, Ontario, directly supporting 700 jobs across Ontario and Quebec while maximizing the use of Canadian steel. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions and U.S. tariffs following the federal government's decision to suspend trade negotiations with the United States.

Liberals sweep all three federal byelections

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-01 02:04:37.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Governance, Trade]

Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party swept all three federal byelections held on Monday, winning the ridings of Beaches-East York in Toronto, North Vancouver-Capilano, and capturing Chicoutimi-Le Fjord from the Conservative Party, which finished a distant third in that Quebec riding. The electoral victories coincide with a tense international trade climate following Prime Minister Carney's decision on August 21 to halt trade negotiations with the United States over unresolved sectoral tariffs. Both nations have since pledged retaliatory tariffs, involving heightened trade tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and Canadian officials including Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Voting begins for byelections as Trump trade war looms over Canadians

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-08-31 13:31:13.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Trade, Governance]

Voting is underway in three federal byelections across the ridings of Beaches-East York in Ontario, Chicoutimi-Le Fjord in Quebec, and North Vancouver-Capilano in British Columbia, which will determine if Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government maintains its slim majority in the House of Commons. According to preliminary figures from Elections Canada, 39,500 Canadians participated in advance polls held from August 21 to August 24. The election takes place amid heightened cross-border economic tensions and trade negotiations involving U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs against Canada.