Quebec ready to vote independently from Canada for Francophonie leadership: premier

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PHNOM PENH - Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is further distancing himself from the Canadian government in his first international outing since winning last month's…

PHNOM PENH - Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is further distancing himself from the Canadian government in his first international outing since winning last month’s provincial election.

He suggested today that he was prepared to vote differently from Canada in the election for secretary-general of the Francophonie.

St-Pierre Plamondon is in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, to attend a summit of the international body of French-speaking states and governments.

Quebec, Canada and New Brunswick all have the right to vote in Monday’s election to choose a new secretary-general.

Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is seeking a third term as head of the organization, and is running against Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dacian Ciolos of Romania, and Coumba Bâ of Mauritania.

St-Pierre Plamondon hasn’t said who he’ll support, but said he won’t necessarily align with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt.

“We’re not bound by another candidate’s vote,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing among member states.

Mushikiwabo has expressed her desire for support from Quebec, saying she maintains “very good relations” with the province.

“I would very much like to have Quebec’s support,” she said alongside her deputy, Quebec native Caroline St-Hilaire, whose position is also at stake.

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