Marois criticized for not mentioning Canada in Olympic praise

QUEBEC – Quebec Premier Pauline Marois is being criticized for the way she congratulated the Canadian men’s hockey team for its gold medal victory over Sweden.

Marois and provincial Sports Minister Marie Malavoy issued a joint statement congratulating the team.

It singled out Quebec players, saying their medals brought joy to their fans, but the statement made no mention of Canada.

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READ MORE: Canada and Sweden demonstrate true sportsmanship

That was in sharp contrast to a statement by Marois and Malavoy on February 20th, which saluted the “women’s hockey team of Canada” for winning gold.

Gerard Deltell, a member of Quebec’s coalition party, says the premier`s failure to mention Canada after the triumph by the men`s team was “shameful,” “small, “disgusting” and “typically Pequiste.”

He says he believes it`s the first time a leader didn’t say which country won the gold medal.