SNC-Lavalin also prepares the Boss Speech En franchise

Ian L. Edwards, one of the flagships of Quebec Inc., SNC-Lavalin, who has lived in Quebec for seven years, is preparing to speak almost entirely in English a few days after the language storm created by the CEO from Air Canada. , Michael Russo.

Also read: Michael Rousseau Case: CAQ refuses to summon Anglo superiors

Also read: Michael Rousseau began learning French

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Mr. Edwards will deliver his speech next Monday to an audience of business people in the Canadian Circle on the transformation of the engineering firm, the center of many corruption cases in recent years.

However, due to the Russo affair, which has been shrinking the business community, it is understood that the boss intends to address issues related to his monolingual English directly.

It should be noted, however, that those present at the event will have a simultaneous translation.

Unsuccessful courses

Contacted by Le Journal, SNC-Lavalin confirms that although its manager has been living in the metropolis since 2014, speaking French has been a problem and has been a problem for many years.

“He first took the courses in 2016, but the results were incomplete. However, he recently resumed private lessons in this direction,” the spokesman wrote in an email sent to Herald Fortin. Journal.

“The fact that French is the official language is well known and respected
President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebec and SNC-Lavalin
Mr. Edwards sought to redouble his efforts to improve his knowledge of the French language to the best of his ability, ”the spokesman continued.

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du
Quebec, which has condemned Michael Rousseau’s remarks and is the largest shareholder in the company, did not want to talk about the boss’ monolingualism.

“We do not intend to comment on this discussion on a case-by-case basis,” said spokesman Maxim Chagnon.

SNC-Lavalin, Less Cubecois?

British-born, Mr. Edwards has been running the company since 2019 and has been replaced by his compatriot Neil Bruce, who also speaks monolingual English.

For many years there has been concern that Quebec will lose its influence in SNC-Lavalin.

Currently, six or 46% of SNC-Lavalin’s 13 senior executives live in Quebec. In recent years this ratio has risen to 72%.

Others have expressed concern about its future until 2024 as the company vows to keep its headquarters in Montreal here.

Even to watch