As a former server at a popular tourist spot in Montreal, I did this too — although it seemed to annoy the few customers who were eager to test their French. Students aside, most people who want to live in Quebec for a longer period should probably nail down some basic French. Sometimes known as the Charter of the French Language , Bill basically made French the primary language of everyday life across Quebec — in workplaces, shops and even on street signs.
Under the law, customers in shops and restaurants have a guaranteed right to service in French, most companies are required to operate primarily in French, and signage and documents usually have to be written in French first. You can opt to live in neighborhoods that are predominantly English-speaking. But according to Concordia University student-turned-committed Quebec resident Lucy, who moved from Ontario about ten years ago with decent but not perfect French, you may still end up feeling a bit cut off from local culture.
I speak to my landlord in French, I do my business in French. Learning English is not encouraged by the government. These days, in Montreal, people will speak English to an Anglophone when they can. In other towns, they may be more reticent to do so because their English is limited. Foreign-trained professionals, such as nurses and teachers, will find that they must pass a French proficiency exam to be hired.
All services must be provided in French, as speaking French is a requirement to work in any job that deals with the general public. But when you need an electrician or take clothes to a drycleaner, you may find that she or he speaks only French. Unless children attend private schools, children must attend French language public schools unless they are specifically exempt from the requirement.
One exemption is for children who are in Quebec temporarily. If permission to attend an English public school is granted, it will be for the permitted temporary stay.
More information about exemptions is available at this site. Certain parts of Montreal — the Western Island and the western sections of the city — traditionally have a greater percentage of English speakers. Many Anglophones left Montreal during the Separatist years, but they are returning. Because of this and because of the arrival of immigrants from many countries, those neighbourhood distinctions are disappearing. Non-French speakers can be very happy in Montreal. It is an exciting city with excellent infrastructure, great public transportation, large parks, many cultural events, and many activities for children.
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