PQ leader still insists Trudeau responsible for influx of refugees

Jean-Franois Lise, the leader of the Parti Qubcois, is doubling down on his comments about the prime minister and would-be refugees despite criticism from high-ranking members of his own party.

Lise saidMondaythe federal government should pay for the costs of taking care of thousands of asylum seekers who have crossed into Quebec from the United States since June.

Speaking at a caucus retreat today, Lise defended the remarks by stating he is an authentic person and that people should expect him to say what he thinks.

• Couillard accuses political rivals of neglecting human rights of asylum seekers

Lise says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invited the asylum seekers and used his Twitter account to welcome all the world's persecuted people to Canada.

Franois Gendron, the longest-serving member ofthe PQ caucus, says he doesn't like Lise's choice of words.

The PQ leader was also criticized by former interim PQ leader Louise Harel, who said on Twitter she was profoundly disappointed by Lise'scomments.