3 days ago
Quebec language watchdog backtracks on pub sign it deemed too English
Adam Fazackerley, an employee at Pub Burgundy Lion opens the patio in Montreal, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Quebec's language watchdog has backed down after trying to get a well-known Montreal pub to change its sign.
The language office had instructed Pub Burgundy Lion to add French language to its sign because 'burgundy' is an English word.
But co-owner Toby Lyle argued publicly that the name is a nod to a Montreal neighbourhood commonly called by its English name — Little Burgundy.
Pub Burgundy Lion sign
Quebec's language watchdog is reviewing the sign of Montreal's Pub Burgundy Lion, but its co-owner says changing it would be a disservice to the Little Burgundy community.
The watchdog now says that further analysis shows the pub's signage does conform with Quebec's language rules.
It says the situation is 'regrettable' and it is sensitive to the public reaction the story has provoked.
The incident is the second highly publicized reversal at the language office in recent months, after the watchdog decided this spring to allow the word 'go' to encourage sports teams.
-- More to come.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.
