Quebec Premier warns of U.S. attempts to influence provincial election

Christine Fréchette warned of U.S. attempts to sow division between Quebec and Canada, responding to media reports of foreign interference in the provincial election. Fréchette stated that she learned of a U.S. think-tank document proposing to break up Canada by supporting Quebec independence and helping elect the Parti Québécois. The think-tank's proposal included covert support for the Parti Québécois, psychological operations, and behind-closed-doors trade negotiations offering lower tariffs on Quebec than on other regions.

Fréchette rejected a separate trade deal with the U.S. concerning sensitive sectors like aluminum to maintain a united front with the rest of Canada. The revelations regarding foreign attempts to influence the election and trade negotiations challenge provincial stability and the political mandate of the Coalition Avenir Québec.