PARIS - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Quebec Premier Jean Charest have taken French presidential candidate Segolene Royal to task for saying she sympathizes with the idea of Quebec sovereignty.
The Socialist hopeful was asked about her thoughts on Quebec's national question after a short meeting with Parti Quebecois Leader Andre Boisclair in Paris on Monday.
Royal said Quebec and France have common values, including "sovereignty and Quebec's freedom.''
Harper issued a statement in which he questioned the wisdom of Royal weighing in on a Canadian debate.
"Experience teaches that it is highly inappropriate for a foreign leader to interfere in the democratic affairs of another country,'' he said.
"We look forward to marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Canada at Quebec City with the next president of France.
"We expect in turn that the next president will display an understanding of our shared history, and the respect for Canada and Canadians that such an important partnership requires.''
Speaking in Montreal, Charest said he invited Royal to Quebec after she became head of the French Socialists but that she turned him down.
"And furthermore, what I also know is that the future of Quebec will be decided by Quebecers, no one else.''
Boisclair said Royal's comments show she's sympathetic to sovereignty and understands his message.
