Advertisement

Federal foreign affairs minister should be fluent in French: Quebec premier

Quebec's premier has invited Rob Nicholson, the newly appointed federal foreign affairs minister, to take French lessons. The Canadian Press

QUEBEC — Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said he’s disappointed with the appointment of a Canadian foreign affairs minister who isn’t fluent in French.

Rob Nicholson was named to the post by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday following the abrupt resignation of John Baird.

READ MOREUnpacking the Politics: Supreme Court ruling and John Baird’s resignation

Couillard told reporters in Quebec City on Tuesday that Canada is officially bilingual should have a foreign affairs minister who can say at least a few words in French.

The premier invited Nicholson to take French lessons to improve his skills in the language of diplomacy.

For her part, Quebec’s International Relations Minister Christine St-Pierre said Harper should have made bilingualism a priority in naming a new minister.

Story continues below advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices