Trudeau shoots down idea of constitutional negotiations (again)

If it wasn't clear enough the first time, Prime Minister Justin Trudeauis once again shutting the door on Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard'scall for a return to constitutional talks.

Trudeausaid Thursdaythat future discussions about Canadian unity could happen without entering a formal process.

"There's a greatworking relationship between me and the premier of Quebec, and there's going to continue to be," he told a news conference inLaMalbaie,northeast ofQuebecCity.

"But as I'vesaid many times since the very beginning of my political career, I think thoseconversations need not go throughconstitutionalnegotiations."

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Trudeauadded thathe and hisQuebecMPs work regularly to increase Canada's impact in the day-to-day lives of Quebecers.

Trudeau not interested in Constitutional negotiations

7 years ago

Duration 1:13

Trudeau not interested in Constitutional negotiations

It was Trudeau's first meeting with reporters in the provincesince Couillardsaid last week his government wantsto holdcoast-to-coast discussions onQuebec's place in Canada. Ultimately, Couillardsaidhe would likeQuebecto sign the 1982 Constitution.

Last week, Trudeau quickly responded by saying his views on the matter were clear, and his government has no intention ofreopening the Constitution.

Sovereignist parties suggested Trudeau's quick rejection of Couillard's plan was an insult to the province, while some pundits suggested the provincial government's proposed tour of the rest of Canada was likely for domestic consumption ahead of the 2018 provincialelection.

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