Yves-François Blanchet Warns Against Canada-Europe Strategic Ties

Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet gathered his caucus in Cantley, Quebec, on September 20, 2026, to prepare for the return of Parliament. Blanchet warned that Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal to strengthen strategic ties with Europe to reduce dependence on the United States could serve as a "Trojan horse" to facilitate the export of Canadian oil and gas.

While Blanchet acknowledged that Quebec could serve as a historic gateway to Europe, he argued that the government must not sacrifice environmental or cultural standards. He criticized the Carney government for authorizing banned pesticides and reducing the digital services tax on technology companies, contrasting these actions with stricter European regulations on food quality and antibiotics.

Beyond foreign policy, the Bloc Québécois is proposing increased government aid for businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs and managing federal special elections following the departure of MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay. Blanchet also noted that the party's role in Ottawa may shift depending on the outcome of the Quebec provincial election on October 5.