Mary Simon French

• Quebec court says it can hear challenge to governor general’s lack of French

  Groups are seeking to have Simon's appointment declared null and void because they say the governor general is constitutionally required to communicate in both official languages.

  Politics

  Aug 9, 2023
  
• Quebec group goes to court over Gov. Gen. Mary Simon’s lack of French

  A former Parti Québécois leadership candidate says choosing a governor general who doesn't speak French is an insult to francophones and a signal that bilingualism doesn't matter.

  Canada

  Jun 30, 2022
  
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• ‘Colonialism and cucumbers’: Governor General gets lukewarm reception in Quebec

  Legault told reporters he spoke with Simon in French and English, adding that it's not ideal that the Governor General doesn't have a proper grasp of the French language.

  Canada

  May 5, 2022
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• Are bilingualism rules too narrow? Appointment of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon spurs debate

  Canada has had an official bilingualism policy for 50 years, established to deal with a 1960s constitutional crisis regarding francophone Canadians.

  Canada

  Jul 25, 2021
• Mary Simon’s lack of French prompts investigation after 400 complaints: watchdog

  Prominent Inuk leader Mary Simon does not speak French, which is one of Canada's two official languages. Her appointment to be the next governor general is leading to complaints.

  Canada

  Jul 19, 2021
• Almost 200 complaints lodged over new GG’s lack of French, language czar says

  'I have received a significant number of complaints about the appointment – close to 200 so far,' the languages watchdog said in an emailed statement.

  Canada

  Jul 14, 2021
• New Governor General Mary Simon can’t speak French. Not all of Canada is pleased

  While some francophones have voiced displeasure, some experts say Simon's fluency in an Indigenous language could be an asset in a changing Canada.

  Canada

  Jul 7, 2021