The new captain of the Montreal Canadiens must learn French, believe the various leaders of the political parties.
The Habs announced Monday morning the appointment of young forward Nick Suzuki. The athlete from London, Ontario, said a few words in French during the press scrum: “It’s an honor to become captain of the Montreal Canadiens. »
The 23-year-old hockey player said he took online classes this summer and had French lessons for the majority of his schooling. However, he agreed to be more comfortable in writing than speaking. Suzuki wishes to improve his knowledge of the language of Molière.
The leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, strongly encourages the 31st captain of the Montreal team to continue his apprenticeship.
“Simply because being captain of the Canadiens means creating a link with an entire population that has offered its unconditional support to this club for generations. What does it cost to take French lessons, to evolve towards a functional French when the media challenge us? “, mentioned the leader of the PQ, called to comment on this appointment at a press briefing, in Val-d’Or.
Mr. St-Pierre Plamondon was happy with the club’s choice. A “very good choice” representing the “symbol of renewal”, affirmed the PQ leader.
According to him, the striker seems to have the personality to persist in his efforts for a better command of the language.
The leader of the Coalition avenir Québec and outgoing Prime Minister, François Legault, also welcomed the appointment.
“He’s the best player with Cole Caufield. […] On the other hand, he will have to learn French, ”he concluded in a press scrum.
Liberal leader Dominique Anglade also believes it “would be a good thing” for Suzuki to learn French.
“If you come to Quebec, it’s an opportunity for you to learn more of a language, and French in this case,” she said in a press scrum in Thetford Mines.
The team’s vice-president of communications, Chantal Machabée, and general manager Kent Hughes also discussed the idea of hiring a French teacher for the entire team. Mr Hughes said all players will be encouraged to learn French, not just Suzuki.
With Patrice Bergeron and Caroline Plante
This dispatch was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta Exchanges and The Canadian Press for the news.