From January 9 to 13, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and Francophonie, Christopher Skeete, was on a mission in Florida. During his stay, the minister visited Miami, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Tallahassee to meet with businesses, elected officials, and key players in the American political scene. On January 12, Le Soleil de la Floride had the privilege and honor of meeting with him at the Quebec Delegation office in Miami to discuss his mission in Florida and then attend the signing of a Protocol of Understanding on Climate Resilience with Miami-Dade County.
A two-part mission
We asked Mr. Skeete what the objective of his mission to Florida was: « The objective is to meet with elected officials in the region, both at the federal and state levels, in order to have meetings with decision-makers in circles close to the president. For us, it is important to maintain these ties, if only to remind them of the important relationship they have with Quebec. »
Beyond this first part, the minister emphasizes that the other mission is to encourage Quebec companies by giving them visibility among suppliers and distributors, who are potential customers. « With the economic shift we have undertaken since 2019 with Quebec delegations, we are providing more support to our Quebec companies in the markets where they operate. Beyond representation and important diplomatic relations, we are also doing a lot of business, » he said.
Economic sectors representing the greatest opportunities
Among the economic sectors with high potential for strengthening the Quebec-Florida relationship, Mr. Skeete said, « Florida’s priorities are Quebec’s priorities: aerospace, climate resilience, and the defense sector. We are also strong in the entire pharmaceutical sector, and these are all sectors that Florida has promoted. »
He points out that Quebec is already Florida’s number one customer, so why not work together more? « That’s the message I’m conveying. Instead of dwelling on minor details in a relationship that is already going very well, let’s look to the future together, » says the minister.
The Protocol of Understanding on Climate Resilience signed with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is a good illustration of this commitment. Faced with an increase in extreme weather events, Quebec and Florida are joining forces to accelerate innovation in resilience.
In the defense sector, the United States needs Quebec. « 75% of Canada’s aerospace exports come from Quebec. We can therefore play a role in helping to secure the continent and our way of life, which is why it is important to have a conversation about this. » Mr. Skeete adds that while 65% of the world’s ships are built in China, Quebec has just acquired a shipyard in Helsinki that provides the best icebreaker technology. According to him, Quebec can become a solution to many American problems, including northern security.
Protecting Quebec’s economic interests
According to the minister, in the current American political context: « Geography is on our side. Since 1867, since Canada’s very existence, even before that, we have always been neighbors with an expanding giant that had somewhat isolationist tendencies. This is nothing new, so we have to deal with this reality, and we have to do so with a coolness based on facts, which will allow us to allay some of the fears that Americans have, including those about the Arctic at the moment, and to ensure that we are able to maintain our sovereignty. “
Understanding above all else
We asked Minister Skeet what influences the way he represents Quebec abroad. As he has always been a curious person who seeks to understand and even find common ground, he replied, ”It allows me to build the bridges I need to advance Quebec’s interests. » “
His friendly message to Quebecers and Francophones in Florida? ”You lucky people who get to spend your winters in Florida. I wish you sunshine, golf, and good health! »
Cover photo: Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie for Quebec, and Catherine Cano, Quebec Delegate in Miami.
Photo here above: Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie for Quebec, and Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade.
