Conservative riding head steps down after ties to Quebec far-right group revealed

Party spokesperson Catherine Major told Radio-Canada that the Conservatives discovered "unacceptable comments" onHuguesBonneau's Facebook page and that he "offered his resignation as soon as he was contacted."

"We condemn all racist and xenophobic statements and these words in no way represent the position of our party," Major said.

Bonneaubecame the president of the Conservative Association ofRivire-du-Nordon May 4, according to the association's Facebook page.

At the same time, he was active in at least two of LaMeute'sregional groups.

We condemn all racist and xenophobic statements and these words in no way represent the position of our party.- Catherine Major , Conservative Party spokesperson

HLoupGarouBonneauis also a member ofthe LaMeutegroupin theSaguenay-Lac-Saint-Jeanregion.

Group hold anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim views

La Meutemembers have organized, or participated in, several recent demonstrations calling for tighter border controls following the increase in asylum seekers crossing into Quebec from the U.S.

The group says current immigration and multicultural policies threaten Quebec society.Its members frequently post Islamophobic comments online.

Contacted by Radio-Canada,Bonneau sought to portray La Meuteas a moderate group of political activists.

"It is unfortunate because once again we [La Meute] are associated with extremists, whereas we are just ordinary citizens who hold the Liberal Party to account."

Other parties respond

Liberal Party spokespersonBraedenCaleystated in an email, "Hatred has no place in our politics and these reports are certainly very alarming. We need leadership that brings people together and no political party should welcome the participation of those who are trying to divide us."

Rivire-du-Nord's BlocQubcoisMPRhalFortinsaid LaMeutedoes not represent his riding's values.

NDPMPAlexandreBoulerice, who representsRosemontLaPetite-Patrie's,told Radio-Canada, "It is very disturbing and I hope that the Conservative Party will take these revelations seriously. We are talking about an extreme right organization that is openly racist."