Why isn't the Premier in France?

QUEBEC CITY - Jean Charest says the opposition parties have a problem with Ottawa's participation in celebrations marking Quebec City's 400th anniversary "because they object to the fact that Canada exists."

The Premier was on the defensive over his decision to remain in Quebec, while Governor General Michaelle Jean is stealing the show as celebrations get underway in La Rochelle, France.

"It is a big problem," says Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois. "We are celebrating the founding of Quebec - an important moment for Francophones in North America and a major event. I think the Premier could have been there," she says.

Action Democratique leader Mario Dumont accused the Premier of weakening the province's special relationship with France.

"The type of bilateral relationship (we have) is no longer what it was," he says, calling Charest a "content cuckold" for being willing to sit in Ottawa's shadow.

"We don't object to the fact that the Federal government can be a part of these celebrations," says the Premier.

"France can have a relationship with the rest of the world and it takes nothing away from its relatioship with Quebec."

The Premier says he remained in Quebec City due meetings scheduled this week with Prince Albert of Monaco, and Bavarian Minister-President Gunther Beckstein.

Charest says he will travel to France, later this month.

Today, a flotilla of 40 ships left La Rochelle, France to recreate the journey taken by Quebec City's founder Samuel de Champlain in 1608.

The Quebec government was represented at the ceremonies by Health Minister Philippe Couillard, who is also Minister Responsible for the Capital Region.