MONTREAL – The Quebec government has taken a stand to protect the phrase “Go Habs Go!”, a slogan integral to the province's cultural identity and its long-standing support for the Montreal Canadiens, an NHL hockey team. French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge emphasized the expression's significance, noting that it has been enthusiastically used by fans for decades.

Roberge's comments were prompted by a recent decision from Montreal’s transit agency to remove the slogan “Go! Canadiens Go!” from city buses, replacing it with “Allez! Canadiens Allez!” This change occurred following a complaint submitted to Quebec's language watchdog, which raised concerns about the use of the English word “go.” The transit agency justified its action by stating that public organizations are bound by legal obligations to showcase exemplary French in their communications.

In response to the backlash over the transit agency's decision, Roberge pointed out that employees of the French-language office have faced threats since media coverage of the issue began on Thursday. Roberge underscored that any future complaints related to the phrase “Go Habs Go!” will be disregarded by the language watchdog, asserting that this beloved expression should never be questioned or challenged.

The language office also clarified its position, stating that it does not oppose the use of the phrase itself. Instead, it reaffirms the need for public entities to adhere to a standard that promotes the French language. Roberge's defense highlights the delicate balance between maintaining linguistic purity and honoring cultural expressions that resonate deeply within Quebec's society.

As tensions surrounding the phrase continue to rise, the Montreal Canadiens prepare to host Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals. The team currently trails in the best-of-seven matchup, with a score of 2-0. This sporting event adds an extra layer of significance to the ongoing discussions about cultural expressions and language within the province.

Overall, the situation reflects a broader dialogue about language, identity, and cultural pride in Quebec. With the French language being a central aspect of Quebec's heritage, the government's intervention to uphold the status of the phrase “Go Habs Go!” illustrates the passion and importance of both sports and language in the daily lives of Quebec residents.