(Quebec) The Liberal opposition in Quebec has harsh words for Air Canada. The air carrier, which “has nothing to wax Francophones”, should pay “fines”, according to her.
It was the prospective candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party, André Fortin, who went to the front on Wednesday. Mr. Fortin holds several titles, but not that of spokesperson for the French language.
PHOTO JACQUES BOISSINOT, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
PLQ MP André Fortin
He was nonetheless indignant at Air Canada’s lack of consideration for Francophones. Addressing the subject himself without being asked the question, he called on the Commissioner of Official Languages to take action.
The commissioner tells us today: “It’s a gradation”. I suggest to him, since Air Canada is incapable of assuming its responsibilities […]to get started, to fine Air Canada.
André Fortin, PLQ MP
THE Montreal Journal reported Tuesday that Air Canada is still unable to offer bilingual service in the country.
The company was targeted this year by 276 complaints, a peak in 10 years, if we disregard the speech of CEO Michael Rousseau which had caused 2833 complaints last year.
The daily also reported that flight attendant training was only given in English in Montreal; Air Canada pleaded the lack of French-speaking trainers for its Air Canada Rouge subsidiary.
For André Fortin, it is unacceptable that “hundreds, thousands” of complaints are accumulating, without the carrier introducing real changes to ensure that it serves Francophones adequately.
Already that “the quality of Air Canada’s service leaves something to be desired”, the carrier “adds a layer of blatant disrespect, shameless disrespect towards Francophones once again”, according to him.
“I think we have reached the famous gradation to which the commissioner refers, because Air Canada, obviously, has nothing to do with francophones,” fumed the elected Liberal from Pontiac.
In addition to André Fortin, three other candidates are currently being considered for the Liberal Party leadership race: Marc Tanguay, Monsef Derraji and Frédéric Beauchemin.