00:00As you are aware, I had reached out to Mr. Kani for some information following our meeting last night,
00:07and I had a very productive call with him earlier this morning,
00:12a long conversation that provided all the answers to the questions I had asked.
00:17We are currently analyzing those answers, and once that analysis is finished,
00:22we will be able to determine the next steps.
00:24We will then be able to see if overall the interests of Quebec are being fully respected in this deal,
00:30which I would say is still in the process of being finalized.
00:34And it's strange to see the leader of the Parti Québécois,
00:39while we're wondering what the economy will look like in 24 or 48 hours,
00:44giving interviews about the referendum date and suggesting he'll reduce instability
00:49by pushing the referendum to the end of a first term instead of the beginning,
00:53because in reality, that makes things worse.
00:57Because the key intense political instability that inevitably arises from calling for a national referendum
01:02will persist for a full four years instead of just one or two.
01:06So I'm working on Quebec's priorities.
01:10We're focused on the interests of this region, forestry, aluminum,
01:15and the general tariffs we are being threatened with,
01:18and I'm also working to protect employers, workers, businesses, and the economy.
01:24Following the responses you received from Prime Minister Carney,
01:27do you now possess a clearer understanding of whether the situation is tilting more
01:31or perhaps less in favor of Quebec?
01:33Do you truly feel that your voice has been heard
01:35and that the specific concerns of Quebec were genuinely respected
01:39and fully taken into account by the Canadian negotiators?
01:43They were taken into consideration.
01:45Now, it's through the analysis we're doing that we'll see overall what the picture is
01:50for the economic impact on Quebec.
01:53So there are gains and losses somewhere.
01:55It's like a kind of compromise from what we understand.
01:58The truth is that at times we do see some improvements,
02:02but is that level of improvement enough to ensure we remain competitive?
02:05That is the kind of analysis we really need to conduct.
02:07Could Mr. Carney sign a deal without you knowing all of the specific details?
02:12Well, I really don't think that is the case.
02:14We are in constant regular contact several times throughout the day
02:17with both his team and his entire administration.
02:20And that arrangement allows us to receive all the necessary data in almost real time, I would say.
02:24So once this comprehensive analysis is finally completed,
02:27we will see if it is truly appropriate to put American alcohol back on the shelves.
02:32That is all I can tell you for now once we have fully analyzed the overall impact.
02:36The three sectors you identified, aluminum, forestry and the dairy agricultural industry,
02:42is there one that seems more vulnerable under the deal that seems to be on the table?
02:48I'm not going to offer any comment on that because we need this detailed analysis
02:51to define the impact on each of the key sectors.
02:54However, we are working hard to protect the interests of all Quebecers,
02:57our workers and our local businesses.
02:59And that is exactly what we will be focusing our attention on over the course of the next few hours.
03:04In English, do you think that American alcohol will eventually be back on the shelves?
03:07And do you think that Quebecers even want that kind of alcohol?
03:13I had many questions for Prime Minister Carney last night during our meeting with other premiers.
03:20Then early this morning, he reached out to me and we had a lengthy conversation.
03:25And he provided answers, actual answers to the questions I had raised.
03:29So we are currently in the process of analyzing the responses he gave me
03:34while also evaluating the impact on the economy of Quebec.
03:37This is essential because we require a global perspective,
03:40a truly full and complete understanding of the overall impact on Quebec's economy.
03:45And we will decide on our position only after that.
03:48And if the outcome is globally positive,
03:52it is possible that we put back the alcohol on the shelves of the SAQ,
03:56but we need first to have the analysis.
03:59Were you reassured?
04:00Because I understand you got the answers,
04:01but were you reassured by that conversation?
04:04Well, it's all a question of competitiveness with other countries.
04:08So it's not just about looking good.
04:10We have to see where it positions us relative to other countries
04:13that also export to the US in sectors that are strategic and vital for Quebec.
04:17So it's not just at first glance,
04:20oh yeah, looks good, let's go ahead.
04:22No, no, no, there are serious, rigorous analysis
04:26we're carrying out.
04:27It's important to do it because there's a lot at stake
04:29and it has to be done strategically and in an informed way.
04:33And that's what we're doing.
04:34And then it is surprising to see the leader of the Parti Québécois,
04:39while we are asking ourselves what's going to happen with Quebec's economy,
04:42to see him give interviews on the date of the referendum.
04:46Honestly, I believe it is entirely insensitive
04:49and deeply irresponsible to act now,
04:51as this is the worst possible time to initiate a referendum.
04:55Furthermore, he seems to believe the issue will fade away
04:59simply because he plans to hold it at the very end of his first term.
05:03Well, I believe the situation is going to be significantly worse
05:06because for the duration of four long years,
05:08we are going to be faced with a period of intense political uncertainty
05:12that will hang over the entire Quebec territory
05:14due to the fact that they are organizing a referendum
05:16at the very end of the mandate rather than at the beginning of it.
05:20Thank you. We really must be going now.
05:21We have a new question here from Alan Sabat.
05:24We really must be heading out now.
05:25Thank you so much for everything.
05:26I am sorry, but we have to go.
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