Montreal/CMEDIA: Following criticism from several Quebec politicians this week for her not yet being fluent in the language, three years after her appointment, Canada’s Gov. Gen. Mary Simon insists her lack of French language proficiency does not hinder her ability to represent Canadians.
“We’re all human…we all have sensitivities when you get a personal attack…it can be hurtful…It’s not going to stop me from doing my job, though,” Simon was quoted saying Sunday
Simon faced criticism from some Quebec politicians this week, after a planned visit to Quebec City and Lévis, Que., during which there were media reports she did not speak French during her tour in the region.
“I have been taking lessons for three years, and I can carry on a conversation in French…and I know I’ve made a lot of progress,” she said.
Simon made history in 2021 as the first Indigenous Governor General. She is fluent in both Inuktitut and English and said her French language skills do not hinder her ability to represent Quebecers to the monarchy, or vice versa.
“I’m a Canadian, I’m a Quebecer, I’m Indigenous, and I have worked on identity, culture and language all my career…it’s very hard to just pick the language…that you forget about all the other elements…why you were appointed to be that person,” said Simon.
Simon said identity, culture and language all need to be considered together, not “one piece at a time.”
“I’m a Quebecer,” she said. “I come from Nunavik, and it will always be my home.”
In a statement released by the Office of the Governor General of Canada, Simon responded to the reactions provoked during her visit to Quebec regarding her inability to speak French.
“While fluent in Inuktitut and English, I was not able to speak French. As a Canadian and as a Quebecer, I understand very well the critical relationship among identity, culture and language,” she wrote. “That is why I am so committed to the revitalization and preservation of all Indigenous languages.”
She also indicated her desire to remain true to what she said in her throne speech that she will strive to “build bridges across the diverse backgrounds and cultures that reflect our great country’s uniqueness.”
