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Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard is being criticized for not speaking French in a speech at a recent conference in Iceland.

But Mr. Couillard snapped back that those taunting him should go to London or New York and see how far speaking French gets them.

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There are times, especially on the international scene, when speaking English is required to be understood, he said. That’s especially important when one is pitching a plan on the economic development of Quebec.

In the case of the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland last week, where Mr. Couillard spoke in English only, no simultaneous translation was available.

The former prime minister of France delivered his remarks in English as did the president of Iceland and a Norwegian minister, Mr. Couillard noted.

“With all due respect, I think my colleague is exaggerating,” Mr. Couillard told the National Assembly in response to a question from Coalition Avenir Québec leader François Legault, who was on the attack, saying the premier “failed to live up to his responsibilities as a representative of the Quebec nation.”