Quebec politicians slam Marine Le Pen's visit
Front National president says she has support among Parti Québécois members
While Quebec's political leaders have shunned Marine Le Pen since she arrived in the province, the leader of France's far-right party says members of the Parti Québécois have reached out to her.
Parti Québécois leader Pierre Karl Péladeau was quick to denounce reports that Le Pen had met with young Quebecers who associate with the PQ during her six-day trip to the province.
"I was shocked when I was informed that some people, who calls themselves 'youth of the Parti Québécois,' but only represent themselves and do not hold any position in the party, met with the president of a French political party visiting Quebec," wrote Péladeau on his Facebook page.
'The PQ is diverse'
Péladeau also wrote that the PQ dissociates itself from the Front National entirely, saying the French party's beliefs are contrary to the PQ's values.
Le Pen has been criticized by many in France for what are seen as thinly veiled racist positions.
In an interview with Radio-Canada, Le Pen said her party has supporters among the PQ.
"The PQ is diverse and vast," Le Pen said. "It's not monolithic."
She says some of the members of the PQ have reached out during her trip to Quebec.
"There are some that have contact with us. There are some who look at what we do, who listen to our discourse and read us."
Premier Philippe Couillard, Parti Québécois Leader Pierre Karl Péladeau and Coalition Avenir Québec leader François Legault have all declined to meet her.
Québec Solidaire open to meeting
Most Quebec politicians have declined to meet Marine Le Pen, but Québec Solidaire MNA Amir Khadir said he was open to meeting her — if only to prove that Quebec is a welcoming society.
La venue de Marine Le Pen au Qc nous rappelle notre attachement à une société ouverte.
—@amirkhadir"We're not there to push her out," Khadir said. "That would be serving her the same medicine she serves to immigrants like me."