After Washington, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette will fly to Paris this weekend for her second overseas mission.
This trip will give the premier the opportunity to meet with “key” figures from the political, economic, and cultural spheres.
“This mission will help promote Quebec’s interests internationally, diversify trade, and attract investment,” states the government press release.
With Europe planning to invest 800 billion euros in rearmament, Quebec hopes to capitalize on the opportunity and secure its share of defence contracts.
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The premier will also meet with several companies in the sector, including Safran, Airbus, Thales, and Dassault Aviation.
During a trip to Germany in March 2025, her predecessor, François Legault, had also expressed a desire for Quebec to be involved in Europe’s rearmament efforts.
A few months later, Legault also traveled to France. He met with his French counterpart, François Bayrou, and promoted Quebec’s aerospace industry at the Paris Air Show.
The premier’s mission comes just a few weeks after a trip to Washington, D.C., where she met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, an influential member of President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
Fréchette highlighted the benefits of free trade to the Americans. She also championed the French language and supply-side management.
It is worth noting that U.S. tariffs continue to hurt the Quebec and Canadian economies. In this context, the Quebec government wants to help businesses diversify their markets.
The premier also intends to use her visit to France to address the issue of discoverability, a topic close to the heart of Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe.
Fréchette will be in Paris from May 16 to 20. She will be accompanied by Minister of international Relations and La Francophonie Christopher Skeete.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
