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.

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."

"There are two angles when it comes to language: expression and comprehension. Here's a little challenge for him; go to the London and New York financial circles and pitch your remarkable economic plan … in French only.

"Let's see how that goes."

It was Mr. Legault's second blast at Mr. Couillard on the subject. The first was Saturday at a CAQ policy convention.

Wednesday, Mr. Legault went at it again, saying in Question Period that it's the duty of every politician in the legislature to promote French in their official functions.

He said Mr. Couillard's initial explanation that everyone in the world already knows Quebecers speak French is not good enough and shows Mr. Couillard is "naive or, worse, oblivious to his responsibilities to the Quebec nation."

He called on Mr. Couillard to recognize his mistake and promise not to do it again.

But Mr. Couillard countered by saying he hopes Mr. Legault does not consider himself somehow "superior" in the business of defending French.

He said what Mr. Legault is neglecting to mention is that when Mr. Couillard was in China, he delivered all his speeches in French because translation was available and that numerous former premiers, including Parti Québécois ones, stuck to English on certain occasions.

"I submit the following hypothesis," Mr. Couillard said,"when we make important remarks, especially those involving the economic development of Quebec, it's usually a good thing to make sure everyone understands what we are saying."

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