Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his disappointment after Canada’s ambassador to the U. S. sent out an invitation in English only for a reception with MPs in Washington.
Mark Wiseman was appointed as Ottawa’s representative in the U. S. capital last year and is hosting a reception next month to celebrate his new role.
This event coincides with the visit of MPs from the foreign affairs committee who will be in Washington, but unfortunately, the invitation did not include any French text.
When asked about the English-only invite on Thursday, Carney said it was “unacceptable.”
“I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed in him disappointing his office,” the prime minister remarked in response.
Wiseman is scheduled to appear before the foreign affairs committee later on Thursday, marking his first public remarks since assuming the ambassador position.
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Bloc MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe described the absence of a French invitation for MPs as a ‘bad start’ for Mark Wiseman’s term as Canada’s ambassador to the U. S. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Bloc Québécois MP and vice-chair of the committee Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe criticized the English-only invitation, calling it a “bad start” for Wiseman.
“The first official communication Mr. Wiseman has made to federal MPs is in English only. We find that unacceptable,” Brunelle-Duceppe told Radio-Canada during a French interview.
“If you don’t know Quebec, if you’re not interested in Quebec, in the language, the culture and the Quebec nation, how can you be the best person to fight for Quebec in this historical context of difficult negotiations with the American administration?”
Apart from expressing disappointment over the English-only invite, Carney supported his colleague in Washington.
“He’s the right person for the job because he’s very good at strategy deals. He’s got very good contacts, including within this administration and the broader business and governmental community,” he explained.
Carney also stated that it will ultimately be up to him and his government to protect Quebec and Canada’s interests during negotiations.
“[Wiseman] is a diplomat, not a decider. The decider is the government of Canada,” he noted.
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