Nova Scotia premier blasts Bloc leader for calling Canada ‘artificial country’

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is not holding back in his response to Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet’s recent comments calling Canada an “artificial country.” Blanchet made these remarks at a campaign stop, where he expressed feeling like a member of a “foreign parliament.”

Houston wasted no time in addressing Blanchet’s statement, taking to social media to express his disappointment. In a letter directly to Blanchet, Houston expressed his dismay at the comments, emphasizing how insulting they are to all Canadians and to the nation as a whole.

“It’s hard to believe Mr. Blanchet would describe Canada as an ‘artificial country with very little meaning.’ Say what you want about our challenges, but don’t insult the country we all call home,” Houston tweeted.

Blanchet, however, defended his remarks, stating that they were not intended as an insult. He pointed to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments in a 2015 interview with the New York Times, where Trudeau referred to Canada as a “post-national state.” Blanchet argued that Quebec has always been a proud nation and that the idea of Canada as a unified country has failed to resonate with Quebecers.

In response to Blanchet’s comments, Houston urged him to resign as an MP if he truly believes that Canada is artificial. He called on Blanchet to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and to take pride in serving the country as an elected official. Blanchet, however, dismissed Houston’s suggestion, stating that he had no intention of resigning.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney also weighed in on the controversy, indirectly addressing Blanchet’s comments during a campaign speech. Carney emphasized the importance of unity in Canada and rejected the notion that the country is artificial. He proudly declared his Canadian identity and highlighted the unique confederation that Canada represents.

Overall, the debate surrounding Blanchet’s comments has sparked discussions about national identity and unity in Canada. While some may question the authenticity of the country’s unity, many political leaders are standing firm in their belief in Canada’s strength and resilience as a nation.