NDG, 4 pm, English spoken
A Quebecor columnist complains about service in English in a store in NDG. But she says it’s evidence that Montreal is a bilingual city, which is not the problem. Do I even believe her anecdote? A major grocery store chain hiring someone who can’t speak French to do a public-facing job – is that even likely? In NDG, you will need English, but even the most fractious anglo has to admit that anyone anywhere in Montreal whose job involves interacting with the public should be able to respond in French.
DeWolf 10:45 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
I’m surprised that would happen at an IGA, but this kind of thing does happen. I was in the Uniburger at St-Denis/Ontario last winter (not exactly the most anglo neighbourhood!) and the clerk simply did not speak French. Several other customers came in after me and he served them in English without so much as a “bonjour.” Most of them were young and switched to English without a second thought, but an older couple seemed a bit miffed and insisted on speaking French.
I don’t want to seem sympathetic to the recrudescent bout of anglophobia that has been in the media lately, but since moving back two years ago, I have to admit I’ve been surprised at how much more English the city seems. The other day I walked past some temporary STM bus stop signs on Bernard and one of them was simply written “NO PARKING.” And that was a sign from the STM of all organizations.
Myles 14:32 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
That’s surprising to me, but I guess I’m insulated from it, living near Parc Laurier where France French seems more common than English.
Hamza khan 15:58 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
I wish she had been more specific because the only IGA near NDG is in CSL , where I could imagine someone Anglo could end up in this kind of job
Joey 16:43 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
@Hamza I think there’s a new IGA on CSL road near Clanranald. Where Amazona used to be.
Kevin 19:06 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
That’s a column? Yeesh.
Is it possible that Mme. Latraverse was speaking inaudibly through her mask?
Hamza 22:33 on 2020-08-30 Permalink
In either case, if you’re located on the north side of CSL boulevard, you’re in CSL (or hampstead if you’re east enough)
DeWolf 11:20 on 2020-08-31 Permalink
Not quite, Hamza. CSL starts 1.5km east of the new IGA. Monkland is only a block away from it. It’s definitely the most francophone part of NDG.
PatrickC 13:23 on 2020-08-31 Permalink
I wonder what Mme. Latraverse thinks about that Verdun campaign to put some ” *luv* dans ton panier”?