There’s a new development in a very “Montrealesque” saga.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) says it will once again use the word “Go” on its city buses’ electronic signage – such as in “Go Habs Go” or “Go Alouettes Go” when supporting Montreal’s sports teams.
Last year the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) banned the English version of the expression following a complaint. That decision was met with criticism by Montrealers, language advocates and Quebec’s opposition parties.
When the OQLF later reversed course, the STM didn’t go right back to using “Go” in its signage. Instead, the transit authority said it was considering its next move.
Background:
It announced its decision to resume using the English expression on Thursday.
“This type of messaging contributes to the pride of STM customers and employees who enjoy supporting their local sports teams in all sorts of ways,” the STM said in a statement.
“The word ‘Go’ is still retained, depending on the featured sport. These decisions were made after consulting with the sports teams.”
The STM says the word “Go” will be used when showing support for the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Victoire and the Montreal Alouettes. It will use the word “Allez” for CF Montreal and the Montreal Roses.
Particularly when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, the slogan “Go Habs Go” is a popular chant of support for the NHL’s most decorated franchise — shouted by anglophones and francophones alike.
“It is worth noting that the Office québécois de la langue française has officially recognized the use of the word ‘go’ as a word of encouragement in its comprehensive dictionary,” the STM wrote.
