ABSTRACT
Quebec provides an interesting case of paradiplomacy (international activities of a non-sovereign state that does not seek to be recognized as sovereign). Its legitimacy in this respect is rooted in its own distinctive character and in Canada's history as a federation. Although Quebec's claim to an international presence has created tensions between this provincial and the Canadian federal government, a compromise was achieved. But inasmuch as Quebec did seek to realize its sovereignty, it can be said to have practised some form of protodiplomacy and thus met with the opposition of Canadian diplomacy. However the Quebec sovereignty movement may be seen as an effect of the failure of the Canadian political system to recognize Quebec's distinctive character.
