Montreal unveils action plan to promote French

Montreal’s administration has unveiled a new action plan aimed at strengthening the use of French as a common language and a tool for outreach across the city.

The plan, introduced by Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s administration, reaffirms the city’s commitment to promoting and enhancing the value of French within municipal operations.

“What we are committed to is bringing Montrealers together around what unites us: French and our culture,” said Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada. “It starts here, at City Hall. With this action plan, we are giving ourselves the means to lead by example, create spaces where French brings people together, and facilitate access to culture for all. We are confirming Montreal’s status as a French-speaking metropolis of the Americas by focusing on what makes us strong: our creativity and our openness to the world.”

Officials say the administration will roll out innovative and accessible initiatives to support the vitality of French throughout the city.

The action plan is divided into three pillars: mobilizing, engaging, and strengthening partnerships. The “mobilize” component focuses on ensuring the consistent use of French in municipal services and communications. The “engage” pillar aims to promote French as a common language by supporting youth, showcasing Francophone cultures, and mobilizing libraries, cultural centres, community organizations, and festivals. The final pillar focuses on strengthening partnerships locally and internationally, while contributing to Francophone cultural and economic influence.

“With this plan, we want to bring everyone together around French,” said Andréanne Moreau, a member of the executive committee responsible for the French language. “By working with our libraries, cultural centres, festivals, community organizations, and economic partners, we are facilitating access to culture in French and encouraging citizen participation and innovation. We also want to highlight the many Francophone communities that enrich Montreal and promote a shared use of French. Together, we aim to make French a driving force for our city.”