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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Intergovernmental Relations

Replying to Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois)
“Mr. Speaker, the federal government is discussing a potentially major agreement with Europe that would cover areas where it has no jurisdiction. The government never asked Quebec for its opinion, the Liberals never consulted the public in an election, and there was never a debate in Parliament. Everything is happening behind the Prime Minister’s closed doors. This matter is important enough to warrant at least basic transparency. Will the government convene a debate in the House this week?”

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Mr. Speaker, it is hard to be more transparent than holding a meeting in Montreal in front of all stakeholders, including six former premiers of the province of Quebec. We are obviously delighted to have Quebec and society as a whole involved in the talks. The discussions began in Montreal, and they will of course continue. We will continue to be totally transparent as we sign very promising agreements with the European Union.