Canadian Ambassador Apologizes for Language Slip-Up

0:00Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Mark Wiseman just apologized for a big slip-up. He sent invites in English only to House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee members for a reception at the Embassy in Washington on May 12th. He called it an unacceptable error during Thursday's committee meeting and said new ones went out in both official languages. Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly called it unacceptable to expressing disappointment in Wiseman and his office. This happened during an unrelated press conference, putting more heat on the ambassador right away. Members of parliament from all parties reacted strongly, especially those worried about Wiseman's grasp on Quebec issues amid U.S. trade talks. Conservative leader Pierre Poiliever questioned his respect for French speakers, while Blocket Bayquay leader Eva Francois Blanchet offered to school. Him on cultural differences, even a liberal MP pushed a motion highlighting the language oversight, Wiseman's past comments added fuel, like retweeting support for massive population growth, despite Quebec pushback, and criticizing supply management that protects Quebec dairy farms.

1:07He assured the committee his personal views won't interfere, stressing Hillback federal policies to shield those sectors. Carney reaffirmed trust in him for strategy, but clarified the government makes final calls. This echoes last month's drama with Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau's English-only video after a crash, which Carney also slammed, leading to his retirement announcement. Language respects days front and center in Canadian diplomacy. In Canada news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Cory with the story.