PM to work with PQ

ST.-NARCISSE-DE-BEAURIVAGE, Que.—Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Quebec lieutenant said the Conservatives are prepared to work with whoever is in power in the province — including the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois.
Industry Minister Christian Paradis said the Harper government and Quebec have common interests and would find common ground if the PQ won the next provincial election.

The PM’s chilled relationship with Quebec has been under increased scrutiny since The Canadian Press revealed his recent secret meetings in Montreal with former prime minister Brian Mulroney and Liberal Premier Jean Charest.
Harper went to them for advice on the national unity issue—which some fear could rise again if the Parti Quebecois unseat Charest’s unpopular Liberals.
Harper and Paradis are at a celebration near Quebec City today for the province’s annual Fete nationale.
The Conservatives are trying to revive flagging Tory fortunes in Quebec, where the party won just five of 75 federal seats in the last election.
Charest confirmed today that he had met Harper recently, but wouldn’t say what about.
He said Quebecers would have a chance to give feedback on the Conservative government’s performance when they vote in the next federal election.