Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says he is concerned by the presence of anti-immigration banners in Quebec City, but does not want to give right-wing groups undue attention.
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Various banners carrying the word #REMIGRATION were put up Monday, including one on an overpass on a busy thoroughfare in the provincial capital.
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A right-wing group called La Meute is also organizing a demonstration on Sunday to denounce the attitudes of the federal and Quebec governments toward immigration.
Couillard said Tuesday such groups are part of society and that freedom of expression allows people to utter what he called stupidities.
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The premier said his role and that of other people is to respond with measured comments that are based on compassion, wisdom and the truth.
The arrival of hundreds and hundreds of asylum seekers in Quebec from the United States in recent weeks has fuelled heated political debate in the province.
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