Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard used an historic address to the Ontario legislature to flex the political and economic muscle of the two most populous provinces — and appeal for a united Canada.

Couillard, the first premier to speak to the house at Queen’s Park since Quebec’s Jean Lesage in 1964, delivered a passionate and unapologetic defence of the Canadian federation.

“Rather than a unitary state, our country is a federation where differences are respected,” he told a special session of the legislature.

“I firmly believe that Quebec progresses when it seeks to unite rather than divide; when it participates rather than excluding itself; and, above all, when it builds bridges with its partners in the federation rather than putting up walls.”

That unabashedly federalist message was warmly greeted by MPPs from all three parties wary of the debilitating unity debates of the past.

“We must rise above short-term visions because of our shared responsibility to our citizens of today and tomorrow,” said Couillard.

“We are natural allies. Together, we currently account for over 60 per cent of the Canadian population and close to 60 per cent of Canada’s GDP (gross domestic product),” he said.

“Central Canada is an economic force, it is a political force and it is a force to be reckoned with for ensuring national prosperity.”

“Putting a price on carbon is a logical choice … that will yield concrete results,” he said.

Wynne said “through collaboration we are fully confronting the challenges ahead.”

“It’s imperative that we continue to join forces. By combining our efforts to fight climate change we are building a stronger, greener economy,” the Ontario premier said.

Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown, who was elected Saturday but lacks a seat at Queen’s Park, injected some partisanship to the occasion in his inaugural speech to the house.

Speaking mostly in French, the Barrie MP, who opposes the cap-and-trade scheme, hailed the partnership between Ontario and Quebec.

But he provoked groans and eye-rolling from the Liberal benches when he alluded to the provincial deficit and to electricity rates.

“You have made the attainment of a balanced budget a priority. You are taking steps to ensure the long term financial health of your province — and are committed to keeping your budget balanced. This is music to my ears – and certainly to the ears of my colleagues,” Brown told Couillard.

“Low hydro rates mean a better business climate. Low hydro rates mean better circumstances for people,” he said as Wynne looked on warily.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath also chose to take some partisan shots at the Liberals over energy rates — and the Grits’ planned sell-off of 60 per cent of Hydro One.

“The people of Quebec — with their public system — pay electricity bills that are less than half of that of Ontarians,” said Horwath.

“The Ontario NDP caucus believes in public power,” she said.

Former NDP premier Bob Rae, who was in the visitors’ gallery, took to Twitter to lament the tone of opposition leaders.

“Both Horvath (sic) and Brown use (Premier) Couillard’s visit to make partisan speeches. Welcome to the world of cheap shots,” tweeted Rae, who is now a Liberal.

（http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/05/11/quebecs-couillard-talks-unity-in-passionate-historic-address-to-ontario-mpps.html）