Quebec will focus its international diplomacy on a new focus: the defense of its national interest in the world. The Quebec state now obeys a “logic of affirmation” in foreign affairs that concern its areas of jurisdiction.
In an “unpredictable” world, Quebec believes that “no one will defend its national interest on the international stage with as much conviction as itself”. The new foreign policy presented Tuesday by Prime Minister Christine Fréchette insists on a cardinal principle: the State will speak with its own voice wherever it is in its advantage to make itself heard.
“At all costs, Quebec must promote and defend its own interests on all issues that concern it,” she said. He must do it by himself and for himself.”
Quebec “speaks to whoever it wants, where its interests justify it and on any question that concerns it,” states the document entitled A reliable Quebec in a world in upheaval. The state will defend its interests directly with its international partners, but also within the Canadian diplomatic apparatus to ensure that “Canada’s foreign policy reflects Quebec interests.”
Failing this, Quebec authorizes itself the right to refuse the implementation of “any treaty for which it deems its participation in the negotiations or the consideration of its interests insufficient.”
“Our new international policy aims to ensure that all decisions taken elsewhere in the world take more into account the interests of Quebec,” underlined the Prime Minister. By acting by itself and for itself, the Quebec nation will not be just a simple chapter in the history of other nations.”
American turbulence
The shadow of the White House and the difficult revision of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) hangs over the updating of Quebec diplomatic policy, resolutely focused on a quest for autonomy in relation to the United States.
“The challenges posed by the new American posture force Quebec to update its strategic posture in the world,” underlines the document. International policy makes market diversification a priority that concerns each of the territories covered by the Quebec government abroad.
Quebec is worried about seeing its economy sacrificed to appease the White House within the framework of the negotiations surrounding the North American free trade agreement. Supply management and Quebec’s specific language requirements are sources of irritation for Donald Trump. The latter also openly covets the strategic minerals contained in Quebec’s subsoil.
Quebec, facing the world and Ottawa, now intends to “assert its authority over all of its natural resources, its critical and strategic minerals as well as over the resources of the St. Lawrence corridor.” The Quebec state will also, in concert with the federal government, “promote and position its economic interests directly with the United States and its other commercial partners.”
He also intends “to associate[r] “closely to negotiations” when an international agreement negotiated by the federal government affects Quebec interests.
“Supply management, cultural content, what makes Quebec different and distinct in the world, a presence also at the International Organization of the Francophonie where we are going to put the emphasis on the economic Francophonie, these are all major projects on which we will have more say,” listed the Minister of International Relations, Christopher Skeete.
This new diplomatic policy expands the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine, the foundation of Quebec’s governance abroad, inherited from the Quiet Revolution. This provides for the commitment of the Quebec state outside its borders in all matters falling within its areas of jurisdiction.
“This doctrine remains the keystone of Quebec’s international action,” underlines the document presented Tuesday. In light of the new global context, and the progress made over nearly 60 years, an evolution is necessary. Quebec must today speak out and act as a state on any matter that affects its national interest. »
