Mary Simon hits back at ‘personal attacks’ of her French [Video]

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon insists her lack of French language proficiency does not hinder her ability to represent Canadians, after several Quebec politicians this week criticized her for not yet being fluent in the language, three years after her appointment.

“We’re all human,” Simon told CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, in an interview airing Sunday. “I think we all have sensitivities when you get a personal attack, when without knowing really what the reality is.”

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“So, yeah, it can be hurtful,” she added. “It’s not going to stop me from doing my job, though.”

Simon faced criticism from some Quebec politicians this week, after a planned visit to Quebec City and Lévis, Que., during which there were media reports she did not speak French during her tour in the region.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François …