Montreal

Quebec MNA apologizes for using N-word in front of students

The PQ MNA for Abitibi-Ouest, François Gendron, 73, used the derogatory term for black people last month while he was visiting a Quebec City school.

François Gendron, 73, used derogatory term for black people at school last month

François Gendron is the longest-serving member of Quebec's National Assembly. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

The longest-serving member of Quebec's legislature is apologizing for using the N-word in front of a group of high school students.

François Gendron, 73, used the derogatory term for black people last month while he was visiting a Quebec City school.

The Parti Québécois MNA for Abitibi Ouest told the students he "worked like an (expletive)" as a cabinet minister.

​Speaking to reporters today, Gendron said he apologized to the school, acknowledging that the word cannot be used in modern times.

Gendron served as education minister in the 1980s and was deputy premier between 2012 and 2014.