The premier of Nova Scotia is fighting back after the leader of the Bloc Quebecois called Canada an “artificial country”.

Yves Francois-Blanchet made the comments on Thursday at a campaign stop, saying he felt like he was a member of a “foreign parliament”.

“We are, whether we like it or not, part of an artificial country with very little meaning, called Canada,” said Blanchet.

Slamming the federal leader, Tim Houston called Blanchet out in a letter on X, Friday, saying the statement was “insulting” to all Canadians.

Houston went on to say that we should all feel “proud” of Canada and for our freedom, safety and security, democracy and free healthcare.

He called for the Bloc leader to step down.

“I hope going forward you will reflect on what it means to be Canadian and take more pride and honour in being an elected official in Canada. If you can’t do that, I would ask you to step aside in favour of those who put country first,” said Houston.

Blanchet stood firm in his stance and said in a press conference, Saturday, his comments were not meant as insult, but as an “observation of fact”.

Since, other federal leaders have echoed Houston’s dismay and blasted Blanchet’s comments.

Liberal leader Mark Carney said in a press conference, he “rejects them completely” and that he’s proud to be Canadian.

Conservative leader Pierre Polievre said on X, Blanchet’s comments are “insulting and false”.

“Canada is a strong, proud and sovereign country with a rich history,” said Polievre.

He added, if he becomes Prime Minister, he will always defend Canada and make it stronger than ever before.