Chamber and committees

I think that slightly more granular information would be good, because many of the boxes just say “Subject to future consideration”. What does that mean? For example, if something was related to programme for government commitments or a particular common framework, it might be useful to signpost it.

I also want to ask about the decision that was captured in last year’s report to diverge from the EU in relation to building standards for electric vehicle car parking. Is any kind of backward look taken at such decisions? That decision was made, but is there a point at which you go back and ask whether it is working, what sort of progress we are seeing in the EU with the roll-out of electric vehicle charging in public car parks and whether we should reconsider the decision? Is it the case that, once we have made a decision, we have diverged, thanks very much, or is there a point at which we go back and ask whether, in terms of keeping pace, that was the right decision? Is there a policy impact in that?

Yes—while being mindful of the constraints that we have.

That is interesting. Does anyone have any other thoughts on that?

Are there links between provincial assemblies as well—not just the Governments but parliamentarians and assembly members?

Quebec is part of La Francophonie: does that bring specific advantages in trade? You already mentioned immigration. French-speaking peoples from around the world may be attracted to come to Quebec, but are there wider cultural and trade advantages? Have structures been set up that are in some way similar to the UK Commonwealth that can help French-speaking regions and nations around the world to develop?

I am interested to hear more about how the provinces in Canada work together and what the formal structures are for that and then to hear from Professor Cornago about how the Basque Country and Catalonia work together within Spain. I was struck by the experience in Germany where, I think, they have more of a formal structure—the Bundesrat—which allows the Länder to come together and reach joint positions. Notwithstanding what Professor Paquin said about policy differences between some of the provinces over energy, for instance, I am interested in how that shared interest is codified and what the structures are for joint working.

Thanks for explaining the complexity and, I think, the fluidity of the relations.

I want to go back to Quebec, Professor Paquin, and ask you about the position of Quebec in relation to the Arctic. Quebec obviously has a footprint in the Arctic as well as covering subarctic areas. How does Quebec engage with the increasingly difficult politics in the Arctic Circle, particularly now, given the position of Russia? I think I heard recently that Quebec has been going to Nordic Council meetings as an observer, and I am interested in how you engage with the Arctic Council.

Thanks.

Thank you.