Being an ambassador is challenging. given the current state of Canada-U.S. relations, being the Canadian Ambassador to Washington is well beynd challenging.

Which may be why Prime Minister Mark Carney reached out toa business friend for the position rather than a career diplomat. With trade the major irritant between the two nations, it made sense to have someone who understands businesss in the role.

but being a good businessman does not make you automatically a diplomat or a politician, as the ambassador proved this week. Now the question being asked is whether someone so apparently tone-deaf to Caaadian realities can properly represent the country in trade negotiations.

At issue was an invitation from the ambassador to members of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to an official reception. The invitation was sent in English only.

Canada is a bilingual nation, and a government communication is supposed to reflect that. Needless to say, the francophones on the committee were somewhat annoyed. Especially the members of the Bloc Quebecois, who noted it as yet another example of English disdain for French Canadians.

In his pre-ambassadorial days as a businessman, Mark Wiseman had made statements that displayed a lack of sensitivity to Quebec. As an ambassador, a public servant, he is supposed to do better.

The news story broke a few hours before he was to appear before the Committee to give an update on trade negotiations. So he was able to immediately apologize, in person.

I’m not sure how that went over though, given that his apology was in English. You think someone on his staff would have translated it and have him read it. Make an effort, even if you butcher the language.

Last month the President of Air Canada announced his retirement after he too showed a lack of judgement regarding communications that should have been in French. Language is a sensitive issue here.

So today’s question is: Should the Ambassador step down? ~Has he compromised his effectiveness? Or is this just a meaningless incident, blown out of proportion for political gain?

Leave a comment with your thoughts.