Outgoing Governor General Mary Simon has responded to criticisms about her French language proficiency, calling them unjust and stating that it did not hinder her ability to connect with Canadians during her tenure. Simon, who is the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada, is renowned for her advocacy on Arctic and Indigenous matters, including Inuit rights, youth, and culture.
Despite facing backlash over her French skills, Simon emphasized that she had made efforts to learn the language after her appointment in 2021. The issue escalated when French-language advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging her appointment based on her language abilities. The Quebec Superior Court ruled in 2024 that the lawsuit could proceed.
Simon disclosed that she took French lessons seriously, dedicating time to learning and improving her proficiency in the language. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and preserving Indigenous languages in Canada, expressing concern about the decline of languages like Inuktitut.
Addressing the criticism surrounding her language skills, Simon’s husband, Whit Fraser, defended her, emphasizing the significance of her work in Quebec and highlighting the need for understanding and respect towards Indigenous languages.
As she prepares to step down, Simon emphasized the ongoing importance of reconciliation efforts in Canada, underscoring the need for continued support and engagement with Indigenous communities. She expressed hope that the focus on reconciliation would persist under the leadership of the incoming Governor General Louise Arbour.
Reflecting on her tenure, Simon mentioned that she would miss the interactions with Canadians the most and expressed gratitude for the teamwork during her term. Looking ahead, the installation of Louise Arbour as the next Governor General on June 8 has been announced.