Historic visit by Quebec’s premier

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It was both an historic and strange day at Queen’s Park, as the Premier of Quebec paid a visit to Ontario’s capital. It was the first time the leader of Quebec has spoken inside the Ontario Legislature in 50 years but the event also opened the Liberal government up to some criticism.

The historic part, was the appearance by Quebec Premier Phillipe Couillard. He was there along side Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to champion the new climate change agreement between Ontario and Quebec. But the strange part of the day is that this new meeting allowed new Conservative leader Patrick Brown to speak as well, even though he doesn’t hold a seat.

Couillard came with a clear message about climate change. “Premier Wynne’s intent to join the cap & trade system of the Western climate initiative is indeed excellent news.”

He called the 2 provinces natural allies saying they are an economic force, making up nearly 60% of Canada’s GDP. He also stressed their role in a united Canada. The partnership of 2 Liberal Premiers on climate change could be seen as a message to the Conservative government in Ottawa to act, but at a joint press conference this afternoon Premier Wynne says, “this isn’t about sending messages. This is about getting real work done.”

The speech by Couillard provided not only an opportunity for the Premier of Ontario to highlight her agenda, but opened the door for newly elected Conservative leader Patrick Brown, who does not hold a seat, to speak in the house and fire his first shots at the Liberals. “You are able to adopt a cap and trade policy, because you have reasonable hydro rates.”

Brown currently holds a Federal seat in Ottawa which he will resign this Wednesday. It is expected that he will soon seek a provincial seat though a by-election. Just where and when, we don’t know yet and when that day comes, Premier Wynne says the Liberals will field a candidate, and brown shouldn’t expect an easy ride.