Far-right groups hurting Quebec’s image internationally: minister

Quebec’s international reputation is taking a hit due to the increased visibility of homegrown far-right groups, the province’s international relations minister said Wednesday.

The province must continue to project an image “openness,” despite the actions of far-right nationalists, Christine St-Pierre told reporters before a cabinet meeting.

A right-wing group called La Meute is organizing a demonstration on Sunday to denounce the immigration policies of the federal and Quebec governments.

Another group announced plans to open what it calls an “identity-based” boxing club in the coming weeks.

Moreover, 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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Asked to comment on the nationalist protest planned for Sunday in Quebec City, St-Pierre said, “I don’t think that type of action is good, not for Quebec’s image or for society as a whole.”

Premier Philippe Couillard said Tuesday he is concerned by the presence of the anti-immigration banners but does not want to give right-wing groups undue attention.

Thousands of people seeking asylum have entered Quebec through illegal crossing points over the past several weeks, fuelling heated political debate in the province.

Couillard has said opposition politicians need to tone down their rhetoric and stop calling asylum seekers “illegal migrants.”

He said due to international agreement signed by Canada, Quebec cannot turn back people crossing illegally into the country from the U.S. and seeking asylum.

On Wednesday, Quebec Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil said she was worried about the consequences of delays in treating thousands of cases of people who have sought asylum over the past couple of weeks.

“The machine of the federal government is enormous,” Weil told reporters. “We are asking the federal government to accelerate the process.”

The Canadian Press