Former PQ MNA Pascal Paradis, defeated in his Jean-Talon riding in the elections two weeks ago, has just been promoted: the new government of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon appointed him on Monday as chief diplomat and negotiator.
He will therefore be called upon to sit down with Indigenous nations, but also to play a role in negotiations for the renewal of the free trade agreement with the United States, the government said.
The newly elected primer had already hinted that he was considering giving Paradis a new role, who had distinguished himself as a parliamentarian in the PQ opposition, notably with his international background.
“His mandate will include maintaining strong, lasting and trusting relationships with Indigenous nations,” a spokesperson for the new Parti Québécois government stated.
“He will be called upon to maintain a constant dialogue with their representatives and to act as one of the government’s main interlocutors, ensuring that communication channels remain open and productive.”
Paradis will therefore intervene on energy issues, treaties with Indigenous peoples and in any other matter where dialogue is required, the party indicates.
In addition, Paradis will play a “central role” in Quebec’s international relations, particularly with the United States.
It is there that he will be the government’s chief negotiator in trade talks.
The government clarifies that this does not mean that it intends to negotiate directly with the Americans, but: “we want Quebec to be at the table.”
The previous government of Christine Fréchette had already appointed Louise Blais to this position and everything would therefore suggest that her mandate could be over.
Paradis will be called upon to support the future Minister of International Relations of Quebec.
However, he will report directly to the premier, the party specified, and he “will have the legitimacy and authority necessary to ensure the coherence of government action and advance these priority issues.”
Paradis’ defeat was a shock to the Parti Québécois (PQ).
Elected in Jean-Talon in a 2023 by-election, he was the only Parti Québécois (PQ) member in the Capitale-Nationale region until October 5, when he lost to Liberal candidate Julie White. The rest of the region was swept by the Conservative Party (PCQ), while Québec solidaire (QS) managed to retain its two seats in Taschereau and Jean-Lesage.
The region finds itself without any representative in the government, since no PQ candidate managed to win a seat there.
It is still unclear how the new premier will ensure representation for the Quebec City region in his cabinet, which will be presented this Wednesday.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
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