Quebec premier 'relieved' after Carney meeting

Quebec's new premier said she was "relieved" following her first meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, after earlier promising to fight "tooth and nail" to protect the right of governments to pass laws that override the Charter.

Christine Fréchette said the overriding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms must not be touched. Quebec has made use of the clause in recent years to shield several pieces of legislation from court challenges, including its secularism law that bans certain public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. 

Fréchette struck a combative tone heading into the meeting, which came after federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser expressed concern over provinces' use of the notwithstanding clause and suggested it should be regulated. But afterwards, Fréchette described Fraser's words as a "misunderstanding."

"I was reassured to find that there is no desire from Mr. Carney to modify or regulate the notwithstanding clause," she wrote on social media. "Furthermore, Minister Fraser expressed regret for the misunderstanding."

Fréchette's office later said Fraser had apologized in a text message.

Carney was all smiles ahead of his meeting with Fréchette, which happened less than 48 hours after the 55-year-old was sworn in as Quebec premier. She assumed the province's top job after winning the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership race following François Legault's decision to resign.

Carney said their discussion would include immigration, housing and major projects. 

"You come here with the sunny weather, a strong mandate and a full agenda," Carney told her. 

Fréchette noted that she's worked with the federal government before, especially in her former role as Quebec immigration minister. 

"I would say I have a history of working with and collaborating with the federal government," she said, adding that their discussions had to happen with respect for the Quebec nation and its areas of jurisdiction.

With less than six months to the provincial election, Fréchette is looking to demonstrate her brand of nationalism can secure gains from Ottawa.

Among Quebec's demands from the federal government is a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers across the country. The province also wants the Carney government to intervene and help ensure a massive hydroelectric deal is finalized with Newfoundland and Labrador.

On Friday, Fréchette said she also hopes to secure lucrative defence contracts for the province, with Carney agreeing that Quebec expertise is needed.

Fréchette said after the meeting that she and Carney had agreed on several points, including regarding Quebec's economic and energy development. 

She said he'd also assured her that the supply management system as well as Quebec's language and cultural industries would be protected during discussions around the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2026.

By Caroline Plante | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.