Gov. Gen.'s spouse criticizes Quebec media over coverage of Mary Simon's trip to province

Whit Fraser, the spouse of Governor General Mary Simon and a former CBC journalist, has criticized Quebec media for their focus on Simon’s French language skills during a late-September visit to the province.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Fraser acknowledged that when Simon became governor general, he knew there would be times he would need to "bite my tongue." But, he wrote, "Today is an exception. A growing raft of BS stemming from the Quebec media underlines the two things I'll always fight for: My wife and journalism, that was so good to me."

Fraser specifically criticized Le Journal de Québec for its coverage. After Simon visited a food bank in Lévis, the publication reported that most conversations during the visit were held in English.

In a statement to CBC News, Fraser said his comments referred to multiple articles and radio segments, including those from Le Journal. Simon’s visit to Quebec ended after the food bank stop. Following critical media coverage, she released a statement on September 26, saying, “I understand the importance of French to French-speaking Canadians as a critical part of their cultures and identities.”

“That is one of the reasons that, as I took on my role as governor general, I committed to learning French and continue to practice, improve, and use all three languages,” Simon said.

Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, speaks English and Inuktitut fluently. Raised in Quebec’s Nunavik region, she attended a federal day school where she was not offered the opportunity to learn French. In July 2021, she began taking French lessons, a spokesperson for Rideau Hall confirmed in August.

Fraser Criticizes Media and Politicians

Fraser expressed frustration with the reaction to Simon’s visit, stating the governor general had been promoting a unique food assistance program in Quebec. However, “overnight, outrage poured from a half dozen additional papers and radio stations, in both ‘official languages,’” he wrote.

Fraser pointed out the lack of acknowledgment that Simon never had the opportunity to learn French despite growing up in Quebec. “None were asked if they had ever tried learning the Governor-General’s Indigenous language, Inuktitut,” he added.

He further criticized the political response, saying, “A gaggle of insecure Quebec politicians chased the bandwagon — including federal Liberal cabinet ministers.” Fraser did not specify which politicians he was referring to.

After posting his remarks, Fraser told CBC News he stands “by every word — but have nothing more to say at least for the foreseeable future.”

Legal Challenge Over French Skills

Simon’s French proficiency is also the subject of an ongoing lawsuit seeking to overturn her appointment. Filed in Quebec Superior Court in 2022, the lawsuit argues that her inability to speak French disqualifies her from serving as governor general.

The plaintiffs, Droits collectifs Québec and Justice Pour le Québec, allege the federal government violated sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by appointing Simon without requiring French fluency.

In August, Quebec Superior Court rejected a federal request to dismiss the case, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. However, the judge ruled that the plaintiffs would need to submit revised arguments to clarify their relevance to the case.