While most foreign dignitaries tried to steer clear of touchy political statements at Quebec City's 400th birthday bash, navigating the waters of provincial politics proved trickier for some.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Premier Jean Charest, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon were just some of the politicians who celebrated the day Samuel de Champlain arrived at the site.
"We do not want to get involved in the affairs of Canada," Fillon said Friday. "But it is normal that on the occasion of this anniversary we bring up a historic event."
On Thursday, without referring to Gen. Charles de Gaulle by name, Fillon had mentioned his Montreal Expo 1967 speech during which the explosive "Vive le Quebec libre" was uttered.
The event, Fillon said, led to a closer relationship between Quebec and France.
"French has never been extinguished in America. It's been 40 years since a great voice, a historic voice -- using a word that belongs to you -- pulled it from 'hibernation' in the spirit of my fellow compatriots. A persevering effort of rapprochement has borne its fruits," Mr. Fillon had said.
The French prime minister also said the arrival of Champlain's vessels ensured France's presence in North America over the past four centuries.
"Like the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria of Christopher Columbus, they opened our world," Fillon said.
"For the men and women who accompanied him (Champlain) during the first days of Quebec, France grew larger without division; it stretched without bursting."
Fillon also referred to Quebec as a "country" during at least two instances, but clarified on Friday that "pays" has a wider meaning in French, and said he should have said "nation."
Still, it was music to the ears of sovereigntists who have hoped in the past that France would recognize a separate Quebec.
"I was very proud to understand he loves Quebec, and I think he will respect our decision that this is our major issue," said Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois.
But to Quebec Premier Jean Charest, Fillon's words were simply an indication of the maturity and closeness of the relationship between France and Quebec.
"We have to be able to talk about de Gaulle without each time reliving the trauma of the past," he said in French.
On Thursday, Harper took the opportunity to make reference to the "Quebecois nation" in his speech.
"The seeds planted here 400 years ago today have blossomed into a magnificent city, a strong and proud Quebecois nation, and a great Canadian country, strong and free," he said. "What an amazing legacy."
Quebec City kicked off its year-long birthday bash at the beginning of the 2008. The celebrations will continue in to the summer with several musical performances, including concerts on the Plains of Abraham by Paul McCartney on July 20 and by Celine Dion on Aug. 22.
With a report by CTV's Genevieve Beauchemin
