Carney Defends Quebec Culture in Collapsed U.S. Trade Talks

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney refused to yield to American demands in trade negotiations, making the defense of Quebec's culture and French language a key sticking point with Washington. Carney criticized last-minute U.S. requests targeting francophone cultural subsidies, online French-language media, and bilingual labeling requirements. He framed the issue as essential to the "discoverability" of Quebec productions, though other factors like auto tariffs also contributed to the talks' collapse. The decision to break off negotiations Friday drew strong approval in Quebec, where 85% of residents supported it, according to an Angus Reid poll. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette said "our identity is not negotiable," while French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon offered support from abroad.