Jean-François Lisée, the leader of the Parti Québécois, is doubling down on his comments about the prime minister and would-be refugees despite criticism from high-ranking members of his own party.

Lisée said Monday the federal government should pay for the costs of taking care of thousands of asylum seekers who have crossed into Quebec from the United States since June.



Speaking at a caucus retreat today, Lisée defended the remarks by stating he is an authentic person and that people should expect him to say what he thinks.

Lisée says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invited the asylum seekers and used his Twitter account to welcome all the world's persecuted people to Canada.



François Gendron, the longest-serving member of the PQ caucus, says he doesn't like Lisée's choice of words.



The PQ leader was also criticized by former interim PQ leader Louise Harel, who said on Twitter she was profoundly disappointed by Lisée's comments.