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Bloc MPs boo Don Cherry in House of Commons

Updated Tue. Nov. 7 2006 6:03 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Bloc Quebecois MPs booed loudly in the House of Commons Tuesday, but their criticism wasn't directed at any new Conservative bill -- they were reacting to hockey analyst Don Cherry.

While several MPs cheered when Speaker Peter Milliken introduced Cherry, a few French Canadian MPs gave him a less-than-welcome reception.

Cherry has sparked anger in the past by suggesting French Canadian hockey players are less tough than others. Two years ago, he said they were the only ones who needed protective visors, along with some European players.

Outside the House of Commons, Cherry denied he was biased against French Canadians.

"Who's anti-French? I know a lot of good French guys I like," Cherry told reporters.

He also said he felt at home in the House "with all that yelling and hollering," because it reminded him of his own television appearances.

After the Bloc MPs booed, some Liberal MPs - including Montreal MP Jean Lapierre - said Milliken should not have recognized Cherry's presence, citing his controversial opinions.

But Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a self-proclaimed amateur hockey historian, welcomed Cherry. The two were later photographed together in Harper's office.

Cherry later said he was a firm supporter of Harper.

"I give a thumbs up to Stephen Harper for sure. He supports the troops and I support the troops," said Cherry.