Blasted by Bloc, Conservative MP apologizes for asking minister to speak English
CTV
Conservative MP Rachael Thomas has apologized after drawing criticism from other members of Parliament for asking Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge to answer questions in English at a committee meeting.
Conservative MP Rachael Thomas has apologized after drawing criticism from other members of Parliament for asking Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge to answer questions in English at a committee meeting.
In a written letter to the chair of the Canadian Heritage Committee, Thomas on Thursday apologized for her comments earlier in the day. She asked that the apology be sent to the minister and other members of the committee.
"As you know, Conservatives support official bilingualism, the preservation of the French language in Canada and the right of Canadians to communicate in the language of their choice," she wrote.
The apology came not long after strongly worded comments from the leader of the Bloc Quebecois, Yves-Francois Blanchet.
"Good old 'Speak White,"' he said, referring to a 1968 French-language poem that condemned the oppression of French-speaking Canadians.
Blanchet characterized Thomas's attitude as: "I am an English Canadian, therefore I am somewhat superior to you. You should speak English to me," adding that if she wants to hear English, simultaneous translation services are available.
"It's a lack of respect, which does not surprise anybody in Quebec," he said.
