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STM: “Go Habs Go” banned from buses because it’s in English
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
STM: “Go Habs Go” banned from buses because it’s in English
Credit: Getty Images
Montreal buses sometimes display messages on the front of the bus.

And during the playoffs, it’s normal to see the STM take advantage of the opportunity to send a rallying message by cheering on the Canadiens. It’s not uncommon.

But it’s not always easy to do.

In the past, the inscription “Go Habs Go” was seen on buses. It’s a message clearly associated with the Habs, since the slogan is that of the Montreal club.

But officially, it’s an English message. Even though the club was created for Francophones, the word go is English and habs refers to habitants, i.e. the people.

And obviously, promoting a slogan in English doesn’t fly.

The Office Québécoise de la Langue Française received a complaint about the language of the message and asked the STM to modify it. It now reads “Allez! Canadiens Allez!” on buses.

I’m the first to want to speak French well and to want to limit anglicisms, when possible. Protecting your language has to be done on a daily basis.

But even so, I don’t think the word “go” is the most problematic of all. Especially when used in such a slogan.

Of course, rules are rules. But when such regulations are enforced for a situation like this, it adds unnecessary fuel to the fire, in my opinion.

The places where it’s hard to get service in French in Montreal are a lot more problematic than the messages on the bus.


in a row

– Of note.

– Tyler Toffoli is 33.

– No fines or discipline coming for Capitals.

– Justin Carbonneau still linked to the Habs in a mock draft. [NYT]

– Good listening.

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