Stern burns up Canucks

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

TORONTO --- Despite the Quebec government's threats, Howard Stern has only one thing to say to Canada: Lighten up, eh.

The radio host refused to apologize Wednesday for insulting French-speaking Quebeckers on his show, saying: "I can't imagine anybody would take what I say seriously."

Stern made his Canadian debut last week when his New York-based program was broadcast in Montreal and Toronto. He called Francophones "peckerheads" and "scumbags" and charged that the French collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.

The broadcast prompted the Quebec government to suggest Stern was violating a law against stirring up ethnic hatred.

At a news conference, Stern was unapologetic: "You've now been introduced to good radio."