French prime minister to address Quebec legislature today, meet with premier

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal responds to a reporter's question during a joint news conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Thursday, April 11, 2024 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press)

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is scheduled to address Quebec's legislature this afternoon.

It's the first speech by a foreign leader at the province's legislature since then-French president Francois Hollande addressed the national assembly in 2014.

Jacques Palard, a French political scientist, says the visit is a sign the French government wants to strengthen relations with Quebec.

Palard says this is Attal's first trip outside of Europe since becoming prime minister in January.

Earlier in the day, after a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Attal says he supports a policy of neutrality towards Quebec independence.

Attal is also scheduled to have meetings with Quebec Premier Francois Legault today and tomorrow, the first meetings between a Quebec premier and French prime minister since 2018.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2024.