Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right Front National, visits Quebec

Premier Philippe Couillardand provincial opposition leaders are keepingclear ofthe controversialleaderof France's far-right party, the Front National.

Marine Le Pen is arriving in Montreal today and plans to spend six days in the province.

During her time in Quebec, she will holdnewsconferences inMontreal andQuebec City. She'll also travel tothe French self-governing territory ofSaint-Pierre and Miquelon, south of Newfoundland, and hold a news conference there.

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Premier Philippe Couillard, Parti Qubcois Leader Pierre Karl Pladeau and Coalition Avenir Qubec leader Franois Legault have all declined to meet her.

Sights set on 2017

MarineLe Pen has been criticizedby many in France for what are seen as thinlyveiled racist positions.

However, the Front National, a one-time fringe party founded in 1972 by her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has gainedpopularityunder her leadership.

She has her sights set on the 2017 presidential election andhas been strivingto clean up the party's image.

A rundown ofLe Pen's itinerary:

• Friday and Saturday: Montreal.
• Sunday: Quebec City.
• Monday: Quebec City and Montreal.
• Tuesday: Montreal (news conference).
• Wednesday: Montreal.
• Thursday: Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
• Friday: Saint-Pierre andMiquelon, then back toMontreal.