Given its special place in the Canadian federation and the need to promote and defend its identity,
culture and prosperity, Québec must be present on the world stage. Québec feels that it has to be
able to participate in negotiating international treaties within the scope of its constitutional
powers, like other provinces that so desire. To this end, it has to be able to defend its positions
within Canadian delegations involved in negotiations in areas under Québec jurisdiction or that that
could have an impact on Québec's interests.
Québec's participation
To the work of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF)
Québec's participation in
the work and governance of the
International Organization, of which it has been a member since 1970,
gives it political leverage that it uses to influence a certain number of international
issues. La Francophonie is also an opportunity for Québec to forge alliances and develop
joint positions that bolster its capacity for action.
Sixty-three states and governments - close to a third of the members of the United Nations - currently belong to La Francophonie. The institution also serves as a forum for discussions and collaboration between governments.
Since 2000, La Francophonie has been firmly committed to identifying the best ways to rise to challenges and overcome perils faced
by the French-speaking world. As a participant in international debates, it is an increasingly important player in universal issues
like peace and security, democracy and rights, and development and solidarity.
Québec intends to play its full role in the official agencies created by La Francophonie. In 2008,
to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, it has hosted the 12th Francophone Summit.
To the activities of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Under an agreement signed
by the governments of Québec and Canada on May 5, 2006, Québec can participate in all of the activities of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is active mainly in areas related to Québec's responsibilities and specific characteristics.
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Québec's position
In 2005, the Government of Québec released its position concerning international organizations and
identified five mechanisms to enhance Québec's role within these organizations.
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Access to full information and participation prior to negotiations in preparing the Canadian position;
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Full membership in Canadian delegations and exclusive responsibility for assigning its own representatives;
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Right to voice its positions in international forums with respect to issues involving its areas of jurisdiction;
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Recognition of Québec's right to assent to a treaty or an agreement before Canada signs it or declares itself to be bound by it;
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Right to express its positions during Canadian appearances before international control organizations in cases involving Québec or its interests.
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Fields of interest
Québec is interested primarily in international organizations and conferences in nine areas
under its constitutional jurisdiction considered to be fundamental for Québec society:
- culture, education, identity
- economic and social development
- labour and employment
- health
- sustainable development and the environment
- information society
- human rights
- status of women
- aboriginal issues
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