Montreal Buses Won’t Display ‘Go Habs! Go!’ for NHL Season Start

UPDATE: Fans of the Montreal Canadiens are facing disappointment as the Montreal public transit authority (STM) has confirmed that “Go Habs! Go!” will not be displayed on city buses when the NHL season kicks off this year. This decision comes in light of recent developments regarding the use of the word “go” in public signage.

The STM has stated that despite the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) recognizing “go” as acceptable in its comprehensive terminology dictionary, any modifications to bus signage will not occur until the usual winter update cycle. “No changes can be made to buses in the short term,” the STM insisted, citing a need to avoid additional expenditures due to the current financial landscape.

The OQLF had previously taken a strong stance against the slogan during the last NHL season, leading to significant backlash. In an April statement, OQLF president Dominique Malack emphasized that while “Go Habs Go” holds historical significance in Quebec, the term “go” is an anglicism. Public institutions, he argued, must maintain “exemplary” French in all signage.

After a wave of memes, public outcry, and political discourse in the National Assembly, French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge intervened. He asserted that the slogan is a vital part of Quebec culture, ultimately leading the OQLF to reverse its earlier stance, allowing the phrase to remain in use.

As the excitement builds for the NHL season, Canadiens fans were recently treated to free “Go Habs Go” rally towels at the playoff game against the Washington Capitals on April 25. However, as the season approaches, the absence of this iconic slogan on public transportation has left many fans frustrated and questioning the STM’s decision.

What happens next? Fans will be watching closely to see if the STM reconsiders its stance or if public demand persuades officials to find a solution before the season’s opening games. With the NHL season just around the corner, the debate surrounding Quebec’s language policies and cultural expressions is sure to intensify. Stay tuned for more developments on this evolving story.