Economy Minister Bernard Drainville says his “F--- you esti” remark about U.S. President Donald Trump made during a radio interview Wednesday was inappropriate, but stands by his anger over the ongoing trade war. “Donald Trump has opened an unprecedented tariff war against Quebec and Canada. The words chosen were inappropriate, but my indignation remains,” Drainville wrote on social media. “We will continue to protect our businesses and our workers; that’s what’s important today.” Drainville’s response came after Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette told reporters that his words were inappropriate and called on him to retract them. He gave a 20-minute interview on Quebec City radio station FM93 and spoke about the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war and its impact on Quebec. Drainville is running for re-election in Lévis as a candidate for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in the Oct. 5 election. He has held multiple other cabinet positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Health.
