Quebec politics places a strong emphasis on the protection of the French language. This commitment is evident in various aspects of public life, including signage and official communications. However, the upcoming 2025 federal election has brought attention to a surprising candidate: Mark Carney, who does not speak French fluently.

Carney's proficiency in French is limited. He can understand spoken French and read prepared statements, but struggles with spontaneous conversation, especially on complex topics. An exchange in the House of Commons with Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet highlighted this issue. During the discussion, Carney had difficulty recalling the French word for "85" until a Liberal MP prompted him. At another point, he abruptly switched to English mid-sentence, a common challenge for those learning a second language.

Historically, most Canadian prime ministers over the past 50 years have been from Quebec and have spoken French fluently, albeit sometimes with an accent. Stephen Harper, who learned French as an adult, was considered fluent, while Jean Chrétien's English was heavily accented but still proficient. In contrast, Carney's French skills are reminiscent of earlier leaders like John Turner and Lester Pearson, who struggled with the language.

Additionally, the current Governor General also faces criticism for her limited French-speaking ability. She had to cut short a tour in Quebec after locals noticed her inability to communicate beyond basic greetings. This situation raises questions about the expectations for language proficiency among leaders in a province where French is a vital part of the cultural identity.