Quebec premier says foreign affairs minister should be fluent in French

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Feb, 2015 11:40 AM

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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Retrial Date Set For Journalist Mohamed Fahmy, Family Calls It 'Worst Nightmare'

Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy is set to face a retrial on terrorism-related charges in Cairo this Thursday, a development his family called their "worst nightmare."

Retrial Date Set For Journalist Mohamed Fahmy, Family Calls It 'Worst Nightmare'

Canada Revenue Agency Has New Mandate To Fight Crime By Passing Suspect Info To Police

OTTAWA — The federal revenue agency can now hand the police possible evidence of serious crime — including terrorist activity — that it happens to come across while reviewing taxpayer files.

Canada Revenue Agency Has New Mandate To Fight Crime By Passing Suspect Info To Police

B.C. First Nation Evacuates 800 Residents After Heavy Snowfall In Kitimat

KITIMAT, B.C. — A British Columbia First Nation has ordered the evacuation of its roughly 800 residents after heavy snowfall in Kitimat knocked out power for more than three days.

B.C. First Nation Evacuates 800 Residents After Heavy Snowfall In Kitimat

Vancouver Looks To Regulate Pot Dispensaries As Frustrations Continue With Feds

VANCOUVER — When Dana Larsen opened a medical marijuana dispensary in Vancouver's east side in 2008, he was more than a little nervous about what could happen.

Vancouver Looks To Regulate Pot Dispensaries As Frustrations Continue With Feds

B.C.'s Lone Green MLA Becomes Lightning Rod At B.C. Legislature

Andrew Weaver, B.C.'s lone Green party member of the legislature, spent years espousing and debating climate change theories in the academic world.

B.C.'s Lone Green MLA Becomes Lightning Rod At B.C. Legislature

John Baird's Departure May Reflect Common Triggers For Job Change, Career Coaches Say

TORONTO — John Baird's surprise resignation as one of Stephen Harper's most high-profile cabinet ministers set tongues wagging across the country: Was he pushed? Is there some scandal brewing? Did he have a falling-out with the prime minister?