Marine Le Pen Gets Cold Shoulder in Quebec

Leader of France's far-right Front National is in Quebec until Friday

CBC News 

Quebec politicians have declined to meet with Marine Le Pen. (Patrick Seeger/EPA)

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right party, wasn't too pleased she was given a chilly reception after protesters gathered at her Quebec City news conference — saying it was unacceptable behaviour in the name of democracy.

"Go back to bed," Le Pen told demonstrators.

The president of Front National is visiting the province over the span of six days, with stops in Montreal and Quebec City.

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, Parti Québécois Leader Pierre Karl Péladeau and Coalition Avenir Québec leader François Legault have all declined to meet her.

This says as much, if not more, about the leadership of Quebec, and indeed, Canada, who are liberal-minded, higher purpose persons who think anyone with a conservative agenda must be evil and beneath them. In reality, they are short-sighted egotists who cannot see beyond the end of their long noses, and who vilify those who can.

Le Pen could possibly end up as President of France next year. How will that work for international relationships - starting off as enemies? Perhaps she would have been more welcome if she slipped an envelope of money under the table to some government bagman.

Security agents escorted protesters out of the Quebec City hotel to allow Le Pen to speak before noon Sunday.

Demonstrators said they disapprove of Le Pen's party and its beliefs, with signs stating Quebec youth didn't care much for the Front National.

Sights set on 2017

Le Pen has been criticized by many in France for what are seen as thinly-veiled racist positions.

However, the Front National, a one-time fringe party founded in 1972 by her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has gained popularity under her leadership.

She has her sights set on the 2017 presidential election and has been striving to clean up the party's image.

A rundown of Le Pen's itinerary:

Friday and Saturday: Montreal.
Sunday: Quebec City. 
Monday: Quebec City and Montreal.
Tuesday: Montreal (news conference).
Wednesday: Montreal.
Thursday: Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
Friday: Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, then back to Montreal.