Speaking to reporters at a caucus gathering in Cantley, Que., on September 20, Blanchet described Quebec’s historical and language connections to Europe as an advantage as Canada pursues closer strategic relations. The Canadian Press report was carried by BNN Bloomberg on September 21.
Blanchet cautioned that useful cooperation measures should not conceal oil and gas export provisions. His comments were a political warning; the report did not establish that such provisions had been agreed.
He also said he did not expect a new treaty or alliance, pointing to the EU member states that have not ratified CETA. His remarks outline the Bloc’s position as Parliament resumes, rather than the terms of a completed Canada–Europe deal.
