Quebec Premier Fréchette, French President Macron discuss opportunities in Paris

PARIS — Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Monday as part of a mission focused on economic co-operation with France.

Ahead of their meeting, Macron told the press that Quebec can contribute in “several areas”, including research, artificial intelligence and strategy.

He added that “Quebec is always welcome.”

Earlier in the day, Fréchette also met with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon, where discussions focused on deepening co-operation between Quebec and France.

She also participated in a roundtable at the Quebec delegation in Paris with French officials and business leaders focused on critical and strategic minerals. Fréchette described Quebec as a “trusted partner” for France and Europe in the sector and highlighted its “major strengths” in critical minerals.

She noted that Quebec has access to key resources in its territory, adding that it holds 28 critical and strategic minerals and a significant share of Canada’s supply.

Fréchette also said the province wants to develop the sector in a sustainable and responsible way, supported by its clean energy base.

The talks come as Europe prepares to significantly increase defence spending, while Quebec seeks to position itself to benefit from the growing wave of defence-related investment.

Fréchette is in France on her second international mission and is scheduled to remain in the country until Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 18, 2026.

Thomas Laberge, The Canadian Press