Montreal’s public transportation authority has announced that the popular slogan “Go Habs Go!” will be reinstated on select city buses starting next month, following approval by the provincial language watchdog. The controversy arose last year when the watchdog demanded the removal of the word “go” from electronic screens on buses displaying support for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and other teams.
However, the Office québécois de la langue française changed its stance in response to public backlash and a statement by the province’s French-language minister affirming the cultural significance of the expression “Go Habs Go” in Quebec. The Société de transport de Montréal explained that the delay in restoring the messages was due to the need for individual updates on each bus during maintenance periods.
According to the agency, the term “go” will reappear on certain buses by March, while others will continue to feature the French equivalent, “allez.” The decision to use French or English slogans has been coordinated with each sports team, with messages also set to include support for women’s sports teams.