Conservative Party demonstrates its disregard for the French language

September 10, 2015

MONTREAL – The Conservative Party of Canada is showing its disregard for the French language by presenting a unilingual English candidate, Mohammad Zamir, in the Montreal constituency of LaSalle–Émard–Verdun.

“In 2015, it is inconceivable that a candidate for a federal election would be unable to communicate with the majority of the people they want to represent in their mother tongue,” said Liberal candidate for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, David Lametti. “How can Stephen Harper hope to promote the French fact in Canada – and abroad – when his Quebec candidates cannot express themselves in that language?”

“Being an allophone myself, I understand the challenge of learning a new language, but the obligation to respect the francophone majority remains intact,” continued Mr. Lametti. “Unfortunately, by nominating people who are unilingual anglophones to the Supreme Court of Canada, to the position of Auditor General, or as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Harper has repeatedly demonstrated that French is simply not a priority for his government.”

In passing, Mr. Lametti took the opportunity to point out that Justin Trudeau is committed to appointing nothing but bilingual justices to the Supreme Court. “Thanks to that kind of commitment, the Liberal Party of Canada is pursuing its historical role in promoting French throughout Canada and around the world.”