Stephen Harper's Quebec lieutenant is challenging union leaders to run against the Tories during the next federal election.
Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel responded Tuesday to comments from Quebec's largest labour group that it would do everything it could to prevent the Conservatives from winning seats in the province.
The Quebec Federation of Labour has also promised to work with other union groups across Canada to forge a policy of voting strategically against the Tories in this year's election.
Lebel says the role of labour unions is not to fight against governments and that if union leaders want to play politics they should put their names on the ballot.
He added that Conservative policies are good for workers because the government has mantained a low tax rate and recently gave tax credits to families with children.
He made the comments after announcing federal funding for the Port of Montreal.
