Montreal – Arab Canada News

Yves-François Blanchet, the leader of the Bloc Québécois, has stood by his controversial statements in which he described Canada as a “manufactured state,” during his talk with reporters as the federal elections approach next Monday.

Blanchet affirmed that he sees no reason to retract his remarks, emphasizing that “Quebec represents a real nation,” and that the Canadian project is a “result of political understandings,” rather than a natural national unity, as he put it.

In contrast, Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney strongly rejected these statements, saying: “I completely reject this talk.” Carney, during a campaign rally in Ontario, asserted that Canada is a “real and proud country,” built thanks to the collective work of multicultural peoples, and that Blanchet's statements “do not reflect the values that unite Canadians.”

These remarks come at a very sensitive time before voting, as the Bloc Québécois seeks to strengthen its position within Quebec, while the Liberals are engaged in a fierce battle to maintain their national supremacy and secure a parliamentary majority.

The latest opinion poll from Nanos Research shows the continued lead of the Liberal Party over the Conservatives, with anticipation of Quebec's vital role in determining the outcome of the elections.