In a bold move, the Quebec government has jumped to defend the beloved phrase “Go Habs Go!” as it faces scrutiny from the provincial language authority for its use of the English word "go." This iconic slogan, a rallying cry for Montreal Canadiens fans, is described by Quebec’s French-language minister as being deeply embedded in the province’s cultural identity.

Jean-Francois Roberge declared on social media that this expression is "part of our DNA, our identity," and has been shouted in support of the Canadiens for decades. He emphasized its significance as a unifying phrase that captures Quebec's rich history.

Controversy Erupts Over Language Enforcement

The controversy ignited when Montreal's transit agency, responding to a complaint about a previous slogan, decided to replace "Go! Canadiens Go!" with the French alternative, "Allez! Canadiens Allez!" This decision was rooted in compliance with the demands of Quebec's language watchdog, which aims to preserve the French language against perceived encroachments by English.

The news broke in a report by the Montreal Gazette, causing widespread backlash. In reaction to the public outrage, transit officials are now considering reverting to the original phrase pending assurance that they won’t face penalties for doing so.

Threats Against Language Office Sparks Outrage

Roberge condemned threats directed at the employees of the Office québécois de la langue française since the incident surfaced, calling such behavior "completely unacceptable" and pressing for its cessation. He reassured the public that future complaints about “Go Habs Go!” will be summarily dismissed.

Language Agency Defends Its Stance

Dominique Malack, head of the language office, attempted to balance the situation. She reiterated that there was no intention to target the slogan itself, labeling it a cherished part of Quebec’s identity. However, she clarified that the agency's intervention was a response to a citizen’s complaint and reinforced that even common words like "go" can be viewed as anglicisms in the context of official signage.

Possible Reversal Ahead for Transit Agency

Despite initial resistance, Eric Alan Caldwell, chair of the STM, expressed his approval of Roberge's statement and indicated that they will seek formal clearance to reinstate the phrase "go." However, any changes may not take effect until the fall due to logistical challenges in adjusting the electronic bus displays.

As the Montreal Canadiens gear up to host a crucial playoff game against the Washington Capitals, it’s clear that the spirit of "Go Habs Go!" remains alive—both on the ice and in the hearts of passionate fans. The issue exemplifies the ongoing tension between cultural identity and language preservation in Quebec, leaving many to ponder just how far the province is willing to go to protect its linguistic heritage.