Premier says Quebec ready to vote independently from Canada for Francophonie leadership

Premier says Quebec ready to vote independently from Canada for Francophonie leadership Quebec, Canada and New Brunswick all have right to vote in election for new secretary-general Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is further distancing himself from the Canadian government in his first international outing since winning last month's provincial election. He suggested Saturday that he was prepared to vote differently from Canada in the election for secretary-general of the Francophonie. St-Pierre Plamondon is in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, to attend a summit of the international body of French-speaking states and governments. Quebec, Canada and New Brunswick all have the right to vote in Monday's election to choose a new secretary-general. Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is seeking a third term as head of the organization, and is running against Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dacian Ciolos of Romania, and Coumba Bâ of Mauritania. St-Pierre Plamondon hasn't said who he'll support, but said he won't necessarily align with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. “We’re not bound by another candidate’s vote,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing among member states. uncertain

Mushikiwabo has expressed her desire for support from Quebec, saying she maintains “very good relations" with the province. asserted

“I would very much like to have Quebec’s support,” she said alongside her deputy, Quebec native Caroline St-Hilaire, whose position is also at stake. asserted

Carney, Quebec premier to have 1st in-person meeting The topic may be on the agenda as St-Pierre Plamondon and Carney have their first in-person meeting on Sunday. uncertain

St-Pierre Plamondon said Saturday that he's optimistic about the discussions, despite his outspoken criticism of Ottawa. “We’re preparing an (economic) update, so there will be important discussions on that,” he said. asserted

Speaking in the Philippines, Carney also expressed confidence that he and St-Pierre Plamondon will be able to work together. asserted

�“I work with all the other premiers in Canada and leaders from countries around the world, so I’m sure we’ll find common priorities,” he said. asserted

St-Pierre Plamondon began his day in Cambodia by addressing a roundtable of Quebec entrepreneurs, and encouraging them to use the Francophonie to pursue trade opportunities. asserted

He then gave a speech at another entrepreneurs' gathering, where he reminded the attendees that Quebec has been a full member of the Francophonie for over 50 years. asserted

"The (organization) is an example of how we can exercise our sovereignty at the international level," he said. asserted

While Quebec's international relations minister has said the province wouldn't be raising the issue of independence in Cambodia, the premier said his sovereigntist government is sparking interest from other states. asserted

“I won’t hide the fact that we’ve had ... several hallway conversations in which people are curious because we are the Parti Québécois,” he said. asserted

“So, we discuss the topic of independence, but informally.” asserted

St-Pierre Plamondon has promised his government will hold a referendum on sovereignty towards the end of his term, once U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the White House. asserted

On Saturday, however, the Quebec premier's appearance on stage drew laughs as he was mistakenly introduced as the prime minister of Canada. asserted