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Quebec is the favoured child of the Canadian federation and benefits from special treatment that is harming Canadian unity, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said on Friday.

Higgs said it is harmful that federal parties are contorting themselves to win votes in one of the country’s most riding-rich provinces.

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The premier has said the country has become “more divided than ever” under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, who is trying bit by bit to shut down the petroleum industry and alienating western Canada as he does so.

Higgs also recalled Quebec’s two referendums on sovereignty.

While he said he appreciates the “unique character” of Quebec, Higgs said Quebecers should bear in mind “where the value of money comes from.”

Questioned about Higgs’s comments, Trudeau said the premier should channel his energy into ensuring access to abortion in his own province.

New Brunswick’s only abortion clinic shut its doors a few days ago.