Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has revealed a hearing condition may be to blame for his oft-criticized English-language skills, saying it's difficult for him to isolate sounds.
Dion was asked about this hearing problem on a campaign stop at Saint-Lambert, Que. where he was appearing in support of Liberal candidate Roxanne Stanners.
Before explaining his condition, Dion joked that he would need the reporter to repeat his question because he could not hear very well.
"If I am in a cocktail (party) and everybody speaks at the same time, I have difficulty," Dion said. "It affects my ability to catch the music of the beautiful language of English."
While he said he's not sure what his condition is called, Dion said he has been tested by doctors and told that it's something that has been passed along through his family.
"I hear everything when it is isolated, but when it is confused with other sounds it is completely confused," he said. "My mother has the same problem; it is kind of a hereditary problem, but it does not stop me from listening to Canadians."
Since Dion took over the reins of the party's leadership, there's been criticism of his English language skills, but CTV's Roger Smith said this is the first time Dion explained he has a condition that makes it difficult for him to comprehend the language.
"This is the first time we've heard anything about a hearing problem or disability that might explain his problems in English," Smith told Â鶹´«Ã½net. "It's the first time that he has revealed this publicly, the reason for his lack of proficiency in English."
Asked why he only spoke up about the problem now, during an election campaign, Dion said he doesn't know why and said he shouldn't have.
Deputy Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told CTV's Canada AM on Monday that he wasn't aware of the hearing problem but said Dion has made his objectives for the country more than clear to him.
"I can understand him and I think he has the sincerity, the conviction and above all the determination," said Ignatieff. "It's hard to remember a leader of a major party that has been subject to the same sustained attack. Canadians love underdogs and they get tired of seeing some getting knocked around.
"This is one tough, resolute politician and he will make a very good PM."
Dion now heads to campaign in the Montreal riding of Westmount, where Liberal candidate Marc Garneau was scheduled to run in a byelection before the election call.
