During the recent French-language NDP leadership debate in Montreal, the five candidates vying to succeed Jagmeet Singh displayed varying levels of proficiency in French. While some struggled with comprehension and fluency in the language, others expressed commitment to improving their French skills to better connect with francophone Canadians.
The debate, initially intended to be in French only but later changed to bilingual, highlighted the importance of language proficiency in Quebec, a pivotal province for the NDP. With only one Quebec MP remaining in the party since the “orange wave” under Jack Layton’s leadership, the candidates acknowledged the significance of appealing to French-speaking voters.
Heather McPherson, the sole sitting MP among the candidates, emphasized the essential role of Quebec for the NDP, stating, “Notre parti n’a pas de chemin sans le Quebec,” underscoring the party’s need to regain support in the province.
Despite the varying levels of French proficiency among the candidates, moderator Karl Bélanger noted that some showed promising comprehension, while others fell short of the necessary fluency expected of a federal leader. Bélanger cautioned that a lack of proficiency in French could hinder the party’s growth in francophone communities and impede electoral success in Quebec.
Former NDP communications director Mélaine Richer expressed disappointment in the candidates’ French abilities, emphasizing the importance of effectively communicating with French-speaking Canadians across the country. Richer highlighted the significance of leaders making efforts to improve their language skills, citing past examples such as Mark Carney, who garnered support from Quebec voters through his understanding of French and Quebec-specific issues.
Following the debate, the candidates expressed varying degrees of commitment to enhancing their French proficiency. While some, like Avi Lewis and Heather McPherson, demonstrated a willingness to improve, others acknowledged the challenges of becoming fully bilingual.
As the NDP prepares for its next leadership debate in British Columbia in February, the candidates aim to bridge the language gap and connect with voters in both English and French. The party’s new leader will be chosen in March, underscoring the importance of language skills in appealing to diverse Canadian communities.