MONTREAL – Despite protests and political leaders denouncing her, French politician Marine Le Pen said she has no plans to cut short her visit to Quebec.
Le Pen is in the province on a trade mission, but the leader of the right-wing Front National party hasn’t been shy to criticize the country’s immigration policy.
She called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s welcoming policy absurd and insisted Canada is being naïve.
READ MORE: Marine Le Pen criticizes Canada’s immigration policy during Quebec City visit
“There were a lot of Germans who were happy to have refugees, but I think they’ve changed ideas following the attack in Cologne,” said Le Pen in a one-on-one interview with Global News.
Politicians in Quebec City and Montreal are refusing to meet with her.
The Marriott Chateau Champlain in downtown Montreal even cancelled her events.
“Refusing to talk is strange,” said Le Pen.
“I’m the head of a political party in France and a candidate for the presidential election. Why treat me like a pariah?”
Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre was outspoken against Le Pen at a press conference on Monday.
READ MORE: Far right leader says France should send migrants back
“She’s not welcome. I’m a former Minister of Immigration and I truly believe in immigration,” he said.
“There’s no way I’m going to accept any far-right extremists. I’m proud of Quebec, I’m proud of Canada and I’m proud of Montreal because of its diversity and I have no time for her.”
Le Pen insisted that, even if politicians don’t want her in Quebec, the people do.
“I got dozens of messages apologizing for the treatment I’ve gotten here and telling me I’m welcome,” she told Global News.
READ MORE: Far-right French politician greeted with protest in Montreal
Fo Niemi, with the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), agreed Le Pen’s message does speak to a small portion of Quebecers.
“There are certain segments that could have xenophobic attitudes, but I think overall Quebecers have more common sense and respect for diversity,” he said.
“With the election of Justin Trudeau, there’s a feeling of more humanity and compassion. We want to be a kinder and gentler nation.”
Le Pen’s visit to Montreal wraps up on Wednesday.
*Interview originally conducted in French.
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