Quebec premier says foreign affairs minister should be fluent in French

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says 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.

Couillard told reporters in Quebec City today 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 language of diplomacy.

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