Valrie Plante apologizes for delivering speech in English at AI announcement

Montreal Mayor Valrie Planteis apologizing for delivering a speech in English at an announcement about private investments in artificial intelligence.

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The Journal de Montralreported that when its journalist confronted her about the speech at the event and asked why she hadn't spoken more of the city's official language, she said, "I'm the mayor of the largest francophonecity in North America and I'm very proud. Are there any other questions?"

Several newspaper columns followed, and it was the main topic of conversation on TVA'sLa Joutecurrent affairs TV show yesterday evening.

Plantegave the speech in the presence of representatives from three British companies that are creating subsidiaries in Quebec.

"Mea culpa," she later tweeted. "I improvised this morning while speaking to a group of foreign investors. My speech should have mainly been in French."

"I'm proud of being the mayor of the francophone metropolis of North America and I remain engaged in promoting our common and official language on all forums."