Majority of Montrealers 'not bothered' by lack of French in stores, OQLF finds

Source: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/majority-of-montrealers-not-bothered-by-lack-of-french-in-stores-oqlf-finds

French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge is urging Quebecers to report stores that can’t serve them in French after a government survey found a majority of Montrealers and many other Quebecers are not particularly concerned by the issue.

The findings suggest Quebecers ages 18 to 34 are the most flexible and the least likely to insist on French compared to older age groups, showing a greater acceptance of bilingual or English interactions.

In the Montreal area, 52 per cent of respondents said they would return to a store where they were served in a language other than French, as the issue “doesn’t bother” them.

Another 27 per cent said they would go back but only “out of necessity.”

Only 11.5 per cent said they would not return.

Across Quebec, a similar trend emerged, with 46 per cent indicating they aren’t concerned about not being served in French, the province’s majority language.

One-third of Quebecers said they were “indifferent” when not served in French, while 39 per cent reported feeling “negative” about the experience.

Quebecers under 34 were the most indifferent and the most likely to return to stores that didn’t serve them in French.

While many Quebecers are flexible, the majority still prefer French as the language of service.