Quebec premier plans diplomatic push with U.S. after Democratic midterm wins

QUEBEC CITY · Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says his government will launch a diplomatic offensive with the United States following the Democratic victories in the midterm elections. He believes the results, widely viewed as a rejection of President Donald Trump's policies, will make it easier for Canada and Quebec to find allies to ease trade tensions. "I think we're in a better position to possibly find a solution because Americans have spoken, the situation has changed," he told reporters in Quebec City. "So what we're going to do is prepare a diplomatic offensive of discussion with the Americans to see if there isn't a solution." The premier said he does not plan for Quebec to conduct direct trade negotiations with the Americans, at least for now.

Democrats gained control of both the Senate and House of Representatives, flipping long-held Republican Senate seats in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. They also held on to battleground seats in Georgia and Michigan. The trade war with Canada became a ballot box issue in close contests in states like Maine and Michigan, where Democrats defeated Republican rivals. Quebec is one of the provinces most affected by U.S. tariffs, which target softwood lumber, aluminum and various manufactured goods. Nosy Mag reported earlier this month that Ontario Premier Doug Ford also celebrated the Democratic wins, hoping for trade relief.

On his approach to negotiations, St-Pierre Plamondon said, "I think that before positioning ourselves on that, we'll open up the channels of discussion." He was also asked about his relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney, following recent tensions. The premier did not attend the Canada-European Union Summit in Montreal last week after Ottawa refused to grant him official speaking rights. He has accepted an invitation to meet with Carney but insisted the meeting must take place in Quebec City. "We'll take the first date in Quebec," the premier said.

He acknowledged they might speak at the upcoming Francophonie summit in Cambodia later this month, which they are both attending. The two leaders have not formally met in person since the Oct. 5 provincial election but have spoken on the phone. The premier's decision to boycott the Canada-EU summit followed a federal refusal to grant him a speaking role at the Montreal event. Nosy Mag reported last week on the premier's boycott of that summit.

With files from The Canadian Press, CBC News and Global News