Governor Mary Simon said her lack of French proficiency is an impediment to her ability to represent Canadians, after several Quebec politicians criticized her this week for not being fluent in the language three years after taking office. He argued that it would not cause any hindrance.
“We’re all human beings,” Simon told CTV’s Question Period host Vassie Kapelos in an interview that aired Sunday. “I think we all become sensitive when we receive personal attacks without really knowing what the reality is.”
“So, yeah, it can hurt,” she added. “However, it doesn’t stop me from doing my job.”
Simon faced criticism from some Quebec politicians this week after he was scheduled to visit Quebec City and Levis, Kenya, after media outlets said he did not speak French during his tour of the region. reported.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet was also asked about the matter this week and told a news conference that “all the great people of Canada” should not need “an interpreter to tour Quebec”. “It’s amazing,” he added.
But he extended his criticisms more broadly to the monarchy, calling the system “outdated” and saying it should be abolished.
However, Simon said he was not asked if he spoke French before reporting that he did not speak French.
“I’ve been taking lessons for three years now and I can now have a conversation in French,” she said. “It may be short, but I can do it and I’m sure I’ve made great progress.”
Simon made history in 2021 as the first Indigenous Governor-General. She is fluent in both Inuktitut and English.
Simon said her French language skills do not impede her ability to represent Quebecers to the monarchy and vice versa.
“I’m Canadian, Quebecois, and Indigenous, and I’ve grappled with identity, culture, and language throughout my career,” she said. “And it’s very difficult to choose words as being so important that you forget all the other factors, like why you’re doing the job and why you were appointed to do the job.”
Mr Simon said identity, culture and language all needed to be considered together, rather than “one at a time”.
When asked if he felt the criticism was therefore misplaced, Simon replied: “Yes, I do.”
When asked if he would be unable to visit Quebec in the future because of the incident, Simon firmly answered, “No.”
“I’m a Quebecer. I’m from Nunavik and Nunavik will always be my home,” she said.