Pascal Paradis appointed Quebec’s chief negotiator

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.

“Pascal Paradis is the best choice to fill this position because of his personal and professional background,” Primer-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon posted on social media Monday morning.

Paradis will 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.

Furthermore, Paradis will play a “central role” in Quebec’s international relations, particularly with the United States. There, he will serve as 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.”

“With this appointment, we are choosing to rely on experience and competence to support our government in several crucial missions. I am very proud to welcome Pascal back to our team,” concluded St-Pierre Plamondon.

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 Primer and will “have the legitimacy and authority necessary to ensure the coherence of government action and to advance these priority issues.”

No Parti Québécois elected officials in Quebec

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 Oct. 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. 

Un profil international

Business lawyer. Paradis has worked for 25 years in the field of international relations in countries in the Americas, Europe and Africa.

He has dealt with infrastructure projects, international transactions, international trade and energy. 

He was the executive director of Lawyers Without Borders Canada for 20 years and also implemented more than 50 international cooperation projects.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in law from Laval University, Paradis completed his master’s degree in international law at the London School of Economics.  

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews