Qualifications Nullified

Just because it makes sense for the most qualified candidate to be chosen for a particularly high profile and distinctly important position, doesn't mean that the more-than-adequately-credentialed candidate will be chosen. Though it should, logically. Not, however, when there are other considerations, such as quotas or equity programs or a focus on language.

Bilingualism, to be precise. Proficiency in both official languages in Canada takes precedence over experience, capability and impeccable professional capacity.

A man who has performed outstandingly for a decade in the only bilingual province in Canada as their auditor general, despite being unilingual Anglophone,and who has been selected by the recruitment agency charged with that task at the federal level, is considered inadequate to the task.

Because he cannot in fluent French, impart information to all those in Parliament or in government who might wish to share his findings. Instant translation devices are insufficient. The future auditor general of Canada must not only be an expert in his professional field with reams of experience, and dedicated to the task at hand, he must be capable in French.

Because the loyal opposition parties claim this to be so. Bilingual imperative.

"He's not qualified for the position", flatly states the NDP. Nominee Michael Ferguson whose faultless performance in the same position in New Brunswick has earned him plaudits and respect is willing, he informed the House of Commons public accounts committee, to become French-sufficient in the space of a year after appointment to the position of Auditor General.

But the NDP and Liberal committee members kept throwing flinty queries at the candidate, pointedly speaking in French, and questioning his commitment to learn the language.

"I was approached by the search firm. They asked me if I would submit a resume for the position. I was told at the time that in their considerations of candidates, my name had come up a number of times and they, therefore, asked me to submit a resume to them", he explained.

The government attested that Mr. Ferguson represented the most qualified individual to apply for this very specialized position. And that he has commenced taking French lessons. Repeating that he has committed to becoming bilingual. This tedious, unnecessary misery of compelling bilingualism within the public service and government has become nauseatingly stale.

Would that we could give it a good long rest.