MONTREAL — An incumbent Quebec minister is being compared to Ontario Premier Doug Ford after directing the F-word at American President Donald Trump in a radio interview on Wednesday.

“F–k you, e–i!,” said Bernard Drainville, combining English and French swear words while discussing the breakdown of trade negotiations between Canada and the United States.

The incumbent economy minister said he found it infuriating that the American president would try to undermine Canadian sovereignty.

Drainville later said on social media that his choice of words was inappropriate but his indignation remains.

Before his post, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette had told journalists she wanted Drainville to walk back his comment.

On social media, Drainville comments drew comparisons to Ford, who told Trump to “kiss (his) ass” in late August.

Daniel Béland, a McGill University political science professor, says it’s possible Drainville took a cue from Ford, since Fréchette’s party has been emphasizing the trade war with the United States during the electoral campaign.

He said he wasn’t surprised to see Fréchette call Drainville to order, saying her political style is very different from Ford’s.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press