Investment of 1.5 million Quebec dollars to promote the French language in Montreal

The province of Quebec has introduced a three-year plan to promote the French language in Montreal with a budget of $1.5 million. While Montreal is officially considered a French-language city, English is widely used in the Quebec province's largest city.

However, authorities aim to change this situation. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante stated that their goal is to make the French language the primary language in Quebec. The allocated budget will be spent on cultural and educational activities, including French language programs for new immigrants.

While French is the official language in Montreal, a significant number of English speakers reside in the city. More than 1.2 million people in Quebec use English as their first language.

Officials emphasize that the goal of this project is not to eliminate other languages but rather to encourage the use of the French language, as it is facing a decline. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec's Minister of the French Language, said, "I think we can promote French as the main language while still respecting the rights of English speakers."

He also acknowledged that this investment alone will not secure the future of the French language but emphasized the value of any effort, no matter how small, in preserving the language.

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