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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Quebec language office pressed transit agency for months before Habs playoff run
MONTREAL — Quebec's language watchdog contacted the Montreal transit agency at least six times in the wake of a complaint about using the word "go" on city buses to cheer on a local soccer team. The watchdog — the Office québécois de la langue française — asked for multiple updates on the agency's efforts to remove the word, and kept the complaint open for nine months until 'go' had been scrubbed from more than 1,000 city buses in Montreal, according to emails obtained by The Canadian Press. Advertisement The correspondence contrasts with the office's public comments responding to an April report in the Montreal Gazette that revealed how the transit agency had replaced the expression 'Go! Canadiens Go!' on its buses with 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' to appease the watchdog. The news report, coinciding with the Montreal Canadiens' first home game of the Stanley Cup playoffs, prompted a public outcry and elicited a declaration from French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge in support of the expression 'Go Habs Go!' At that time, the watchdog said it had 'contacted the (transit agency) to inform it of the complaint and remind it of its obligations under the (French-language) charter.' But the office didn't share details about the length of its review and the number of times it pressed transit officials for updates. The internal correspondence reveals how an adviser for the language office sent at least six emails to the transit agency between May 2024 and January 2025, informing the agency of a complaint and asking about its plans to fix the problem. The documents were obtained under access-to-information law. Advertisement The complaint, received on April 29, 2024, related to city buses displaying the expression 'Go! CF Mtl Go!' – a reference to Montreal's professional soccer club. The transit agency initially responded to the language office in June 2024, explaining that such slogans give bus drivers 'a way to salute national sports teams.' Using the word 'go' kept the message shorter and prevented it from scrolling across the buses' electronic displays, the email explained. Still, the agency agreed to remove the word, but warned the process could take several months. In response, the adviser asked why the change couldn't be made 'over a few days when the vehicles are in the garage.' The transit agency replied that each bus had to have its display changed manually, using a USB key. Advertisement In July, the language watchdog informed the agency that the complaint would remain open until all the buses had been changed. The adviser then followed up two more times over the fall and winter to request updates. Eventually, the transit agency reported in January that 1,002 of its 1,104 buses had been updated, and the remaining 102 buses were out of service. The language office then agreed to close the complaint, on condition that each of the remaining buses would be updated before returning to service. In an email statement to The Canadian Press, a spokesperson for the language watchdog said the correspondence is 'part of a normal process for handling a complaint.' The language office never received a complaint about 'Go Habs Go' and was never informed that the transit agency was planning not to use the word 'go' in relation to the hockey team, said Gilles Payer. Advertisement He said the office would not have pursued a complaint about 'Go Habs Go,' since the expression is a trademark, which does not need to be translated. A spokesperson for Roberge told The Canadian Press the minister was not aware of the issue until the change was first reported in April. But the documents show his own department was informed of the complaint shortly after it was received and intended to participate in the review. According to Quebec's French-language charter, complaints involving public bodies must be flagged to the French-language department. The department did not respond to questions about its role in response to this complaint. Advertisement Roberge's spokesperson Thomas Verville said the language office received more than 10,000 complaints last year. 'The minister does not intervene in the complaints received' by the office, he said. 'That would be political interference.' Still, Roberge announced in April that he had held 'several discussions' with the language office, and that any future complaints about the expression 'Go Habs Go' would 'be deemed inadmissible.' He said the slogan has been used for decades to support the Montreal Canadiens. He also said employees of the language office were receiving threats. Verville said there is a 'huge difference' between using the word 'go' in reference to the Montreal soccer team as compared to the Montreal Canadiens. He said fans of CF Montréal typically chant 'Allez Montréal' during matches, while 'Go Habs Go' has long been part of Quebec culture. He added Roberge spoke out specifically to defend the expression 'Go Habs Go,' which was not the subject of the original complaint. He did not say whether the minister opposes the use of the word 'go' in reference to other sports teams. Advertisement A spokesperson for the transit agency said it is still in discussions with the language office to 'obtain official confirmation that we are allowed to use the word 'go' in a sporting context and that we will not be penalized if we do so.' The agency says no change will be made before the buses undergo regular maintenance in the fall. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025. Maura Forrest, The Canadian Press
Global News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Quebec language office pressed transit agency for months before Habs playoff run
Quebec's language watchdog contacted the Montreal transit agency at least six times in the wake of a complaint about using the word 'go' on city buses to cheer on a local soccer team. The watchdog — the Office québécois de la langue française — asked for multiple updates on the agency's efforts to remove the word, and kept the complaint open for nine months until 'go' had been scrubbed from more than 1,000 city buses in Montreal, according to emails obtained by The Canadian Press. The correspondence contrasts with the office's public comments responding to an April report in the Montreal Gazette that revealed how the transit agency had replaced the expression 'Go! Canadiens Go!' on its buses with 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' to appease the watchdog. The news report, coinciding with the Montreal Canadiens' first home game of the Stanley Cup playoffs, prompted a public outcry and elicited a declaration from French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge in support of the expression 'Go Habs Go!' Story continues below advertisement At that time, the watchdog said it had 'contacted the (transit agency) to inform it of the complaint and remind it of its obligations under the (French-language) charter.' But the office didn't share details about the length of its review and the number of times it pressed transit officials for updates. The internal correspondence reveals how an adviser for the language office sent at least six emails to the transit agency between May 2024 and January 2025, informing the agency of a complaint and asking about its plans to fix the problem. The documents were obtained under access-to-information law. The complaint, received on April 29, 2024, related to city buses displaying the expression 'Go! CF Mtl Go!' – a reference to Montreal's professional soccer club. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The transit agency initially responded to the language office in June 2024, explaining that such slogans give bus drivers 'a way to salute national sports teams.' Using the word 'go' kept the message shorter and prevented it from scrolling across the buses' electronic displays, the email explained. Still, the agency agreed to remove the word, but warned the process could take several months. In response, the adviser asked why the change couldn't be made 'over a few days when the vehicles are in the garage.' The transit agency replied that each bus had to have its display changed manually, using a USB key. Story continues below advertisement In July, the language watchdog informed the agency that the complaint would remain open until all the buses had been changed. The adviser then followed up two more times over the fall and winter to request updates. Eventually, the transit agency reported in January that 1,002 of its 1,104 buses had been updated, and the remaining 102 buses were out of service. The language office then agreed to close the complaint, on condition that each of the remaining buses would be updated before returning to service. In an email statement to The Canadian Press, a spokesperson for the language watchdog said the correspondence is 'part of a normal process for handling a complaint.' The language office never received a complaint about 'Go Habs Go' and was never informed that the transit agency was planning not to use the word 'go' in relation to the hockey team, said Gilles Payer. He said the office would not have pursued a complaint about 'Go Habs Go,' since the expression is a trademark, which does not need to be translated. A spokesperson for Roberge told The Canadian Press the minister was not aware of the issue until the change was first reported in April. But the documents show his own department was informed of the complaint shortly after it was received and intended to participate in the review. According to Quebec's French-language charter, complaints involving public bodies must be flagged to the French-language department. Story continues below advertisement The department did not respond to questions about its role in response to this complaint. Roberge's spokesperson Thomas Verville said the language office received more than 10,000 complaints last year. 'The minister does not intervene in the complaints received' by the office, he said. 'That would be political interference.' Still, Roberge announced in April that he had held 'several discussions' with the language office, and that any future complaints about the expression 'Go Habs Go' would 'be deemed inadmissible.' He said the slogan has been used for decades to support the Montreal Canadiens. He also said employees of the language office were receiving threats. Verville said there is a 'huge difference' between using the word 'go' in reference to the Montreal soccer team as compared to the Montreal Canadiens. He said fans of CF Montréal typically chant 'Allez Montréal' during matches, while 'Go Habs Go' has long been part of Quebec culture. He added Roberge spoke out specifically to defend the expression 'Go Habs Go,' which was not the subject of the original complaint. He did not say whether the minister opposes the use of the word 'go' in reference to other sports teams. A spokesperson for the transit agency said it is still in discussions with the language office to 'obtain official confirmation that we are allowed to use the word 'go' in a sporting context and that we will not be penalized if we do so.' Story continues below advertisement The agency says no change will be made before the buses undergo regular maintenance in the fall.
Toronto Sun
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
NO HABS NO: Quebec orders STM to drop 'Go' from bus messages because it's an English word
OQLF upheld a complaint that the slogan 'GO ! CF MTL GO !' constituted an anglicism Published Apr 24, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read STM buses now display the message: 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' after someone complained to the Office québécois de la langue française about the use of the English word Go on its former pro-Habs slogan. Photo by Dave Sidaway / Postmedia First, Quebec targeted Hi. Now, it's going after another two-letter English word: Go. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The province's language watchdog has told Montreal's transit agency to stop displaying messages like 'GO! Canadiens GO!' on its bus electronic displays because Go is an English word, The Gazette has learned. As a result, during the Habs' playoff run, the Société de transport de Montréal will instead feature 'Allez! Canadiens Allez!' on its buses. 'Following a complaint it received last year about a message displayed on a bus sign reading 'GO! CF MTL GO!,' the Office québécois de la langue française asked the STM to modify its message,' transit agency spokesperson Isabelle Tremblay said. CF Montréal is the name of the city's professional soccer team. 'Since the word Go is considered an anglicism, the STM committed to removing it from bus signs,' Tremblay said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. OQLF spokesperson Gilles Payer confirmed receiving a complaint about the word Go. He said the OQLF advised the STM that under Quebec law, 'government bodies must set an example by using French, which means refraining from employing English terms in their signage.' What does the language watchdog consider the most appropriate way to say 'Go Habs Go' in French? 'The Office adopts a supportive approach with government bodies and never mandates one correction over another,' Payer said. 'The government body may submit a proposed version to the Office, which will then verify whether it complies with the requirements of the Charter.' Montreal Canadiens fans use both Go and Allez when they cheer on the team. The popular 'Go Habs Go' slogan — featured prominently on the team's official social media channels — pairs the English word Go with Habs, an anglicized shorthand for habitants, the early settlers of New France. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Some prefer to join the French 'Allez, allez, allez, allez Montréal' refrain from Loco Locass's Habs‑inspired anthem 'Le But.' The fact that Go is an English word has not deterred some staunch defenders of the French language. Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, for example, has used the hashtag #GoHabsGo on the X social media platform twice in recent weeks. Even Premier François Legault favoured the hashtag #GoHabsGo until 2021. Since then, Legault — a devout fan who was at the Bell Centre when the Habs clinched a playoff spot on the night of the French-language federal leaders' debate — has used #CH. That refers to the Canadiens' logo and the team's official name: Club de hockey Canadien. The STM says started updating its bus messages last fall and completed the process early this year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That means STM's 2,000 buses are now no-Go zones. 'The use of the word Go in a sports context was consistent with familiar messages from these teams, such as 'Go Montréal,'' Tremblay said. Such messages 'allowed for quick comprehension and helped foster a sense of belonging.' Due to the OQLF's objection, 'the anglicism 'Go' has been replaced with expressions like 'Allez Montréal' and 'Allez! CF MTL Allez!' — preserving the team spirit while complying with Law 14.' That law, known as Bill 96 before it was enacted in 2022, toughened the Charter of the French Language, commonly known as Bill 101. Among other provisions, the law requires public bodies to 'in an exemplary manner, use the French language, promote its quality, ensure its development in Quebec and protect it.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The STM is working with the OQLF to ensure the agency complies with the law across all areas, from social media to employee training, according to a document released in response to a recent Gazette access‑to‑information request. 'An OQLF advisor visited five (STM) workplaces between February and May 2024,' according to the document. The STM was told to submit a report to the OQLF 'indicating the situations in which it intends to avail itself of the right to use a language other than French, in accordance with the exceptions provided for in the charter.' Visitors to the English version of the STM website are greeted with a message stating: 'The Charter of the French Language governs the consultation of English content.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Quebec allows some exceptions to the requirement that communication with public bodies be offered in French only. Those who may be communicated with in a language other than French include Indigenous Peoples, Quebecers eligible to receive instruction in English, and immigrants for the first six months after arriving in Quebec. In a letter accompanying the document provided to The Gazette, the STM said it uses the French language internally. However, 'the languages used by STM staff during customer interactions are French and English,' the transit authority said. 'Indeed, during phone calls or emails, STM employees speak English with anglophone or allophone customers who do not speak French.' The ban on the word Go mirrors Quebec's attempts to discourage store employees from greeting customers with Bonjour-Hi, a controversial phrase that blends English and French. In 2017, Quebec's National Assembly unanimously passed a motion, backed by all political parties, encouraging merchants to greet customers with a simple 'bonjour.' Two years later, the Legault government floated the idea of formally banning Bonjour-Hi. It quickly backed down after critics said it would be impossible to legislate conversations between citizens and store workers. Toronto Raptors Crime Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs
