Article content

Premier François Legault said on Wednesday he has nothing against provincial funds being used to finance celebrations of Canada, he just doesn’t want them used to promote federalism.

“What we’re talking about is the promotion of federalism,” Legault told reporters. “I don’t think it’s up to the government of Quebec to finance activities promoting federalism. We can give grants to neighbourhood parties during Canada Day. What we want to avoid is getting into the promotion of federalism and Canada.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Quebec won't pay for the promotion of federalism or separatism, Legault says Back to video

Legault added however that the funding ban also extends to neighbourhood-level activities that promote Quebec sovereignty.

“We’re doing the same thing … it is also out of the question that Quebec subsidize the promotion of sovereignty.”

Legault made his comments after Le Journal de Québec reported Wednesday that the Quebec government had decided discretionary funds allotted to MNAs to finance community events in their ridings will not be used to support Canada Day activities or events promoting Quebec separation.