Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard is being criticized for not speaking French in a speech at a recent conference in Iceland.
There are times, especially on the international scene, when speaking English is required to be understood, he said. In the case of the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland last week, where Mr. Couillard spoke in English only, no simultaneous translation was available. The former prime minister of France delivered his remarks in English as did the president of Iceland and a Norwegian minister, Mr. Couillard noted.
“With all due respect, I think my colleague is exaggerating,” Mr. Couillard told the National Assembly in response to a question from Coalition Avenir Québec leader François Legault, who was on the attack, saying the premier “failed to live up to his responsibilities as a representative of the Quebec nation.”
“There are two angles when it comes to language: expression and comprehension. Here’s a little challenge for him; go to the London and New York financial circles and pitch your remarkable economic plan … in French only. Let’s see how that goes. I submit the following hypothesis,” Mr. Couillard said,“when we make important remarks, especially those involving the economic development of Quebec, it’s usually a good thing to make sure everyone understands what we are saying.”