Doug Ford says he stopped taking French lessons for safety reasons during pandemic
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he stopped taking French lessons as a safety precaution during the pandemic but has promised to do everything he can to learn the language.
Ford made the comment during a press conference on Monday in Tecumseh while making an announcement about funding for a new hospital.
He was asked by a reporter why he stopped taking French lessons when he had previously promised to learn the language.
"The pandemic made me stop it," Ford said. "I'll get there, but I just wanted to be safe. I couldnt take the classes when I’m telling other people to go online and take classes. I couldn't have my French teacher in."
Despite not taking lessons, Ford did say he practices his French "all the time" and even gets help from Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney.
"She's a great French teacher and always gives me the phrases, so I'll get there."
Ford has made several promises to learn how to speak French, even saying in 2019 it would be “pretty easy” to pick up since he studied it from Grade 3 to Grade 9 in school
He also said he believes every elected official should learn French.
"What I want to show is how much I respect the francophone community here and I’ll do everything to make sure that they know I’m doing everything I can to speak French," Ford said Monday.
"I am bound and determined, I'm going to learn French."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.