In Ottawa, decisions have a ripple effect in Quebec, as evidenced by a recent pipeline agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The aftermath included a ministerial resignation, a shuffle, and a heated debate on French language involving Quebec’s premier, the Parti Québécois leader, and cultural associations. All of this unfolded in just one week.
The saga began when Steven Guilbeault, a former environmentalist turned politician, learned of environmental regulation relaxations for a potential Alberta-B.C. pipeline. Disillusioned, Guilbeault, who held dual ministerial roles under Carney, resigned over the controversial deal.
Carney then handed the reins to another Quebec MP, Marc Miller, who quickly reignited tensions by downplaying French language decline in Quebec. This led to a public spat with Premier François Legault, who criticized Miller, calling him a “disgrace to all Quebecers.”
As Quebec’s cultural sector welcomed Miller, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressed disappointment over the support, accusing them of disloyalty. The ensuing discord drew criticism, with Quebec Solidaire calling St-Pierre Plamondon’s comments “unacceptable.”
The Quebec-Ottawa feud reached the federal level, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre questioning Carney’s choice of Miller as culture minister. Carney defended Miller, sidestepping the language controversy.
The interplay of politics and language tensions underscores the delicate balance between federal decisions and provincial sentiments.