Marois threatens to block Canada-EU deal

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois says her Parti Québécois government could throw up roadblocks to a free-trade agreement between Canada and the European Union if it’s deemed unsuitable for Quebec. Marois told reporters in London today that such deals are another reason why Quebec needs to be sovereign. Right now, the Constitution says only the federal government can sign trade deals with other countries. Marois is warning Quebec could pass laws and regulations that would make it difficult to implement a Canada-EU treaty if it touches areas under provincial jurisdiction. The federal government has been negotiating the treaty since 2008 and Ottawa has invited the provinces to weigh in on issues that touch their jurisdiction.