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QUEBEC — A week after the Scottish referendum, Germany’s president has created a minor stir in Quebec by remarking he’s happy Quebec never separated from Canada.

Joachim Gauck underlined the importance of Quebec in a united Canada in a speech on Saturday in Quebec City alongside Premier Philippe Couillard.

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The comments drew nearly immediate criticism from the opposition Parti Quebecois.

Gauck is at the end of a Canadian tour that included stops in Ottawa and Toronto.

For his part, Couillard says he hears comments like Gauck’s often during travel abroad.

He says Canadian unity is seen as a positive in other countries.

“People are happy that Canada’s political environment is stable,” Couillard told reporters after Gauck’s speech.

“However, they recognize the very distinct character of Quebec. People know very well that Quebec was a distinct society but generally speaking people make that kind of comment. ”