Montrealers Vote 2025: How can next mayor support city’s Anglophones?

As Montrealers prepare to elect their next mayor on Nov. 2, some residents say the city isn’t doing enough to protect Anglophone rights – from access to services to representation at city hall.

“At the end of the day, we just want to be represented the same way,” said Cameron Naghi, a Montreal resident.

Language has long been at the heart of Quebec politics, but for many in the city’s bilingual community, the atmosphere around English use feels increasingly restrictive.

“The administration came out with guidelines recently around the use of English for their staff, which are very restrictive – actually more restrictive than what the government of Quebec had put out for municipalities,” said Sylvia Martin-Laforge, director general of TALQ, formerly QCGN.

Martin-Laforge said measures such as the city’s Office of the French Language send the wrong message about Montreal’s identity.

“Why does Montreal need an office of French language? There’s already one in the province,” she said. “Do we need to double up on layers and layers of administrative coercion measures?”

Some voters say the debate over language has become overly politicized.

“They’re trying to preserve their culture,” said Naghi. “But when you’re telling us we can’t have things in English when it’s our maiden language, it’s painful. Obviously, I’d like to see a little bit more done with that, so that influenced my vote.”

Others called for a more inclusive approach.

“I think you decide what you want your city to be,” said Lori O’Donnel. “You want it to be a place where everyone in the world wants to come, which it should be because Montreal is fabulous. Then you have to make it a little easier for some people.”

Patrick Henuset, a small business owner, said supporting both official languages is key to the city’s character.

“The times change,” he said. “You have to protect all the people, Anglophone and Francophone.”

As language politics take centre stage, parties have outlined their stance on the issue:

• Ensemble Montréal says Anglophones will be “valued and considered” in decision-making.
• Projet Montréal pledges equal services for all residents, while defending English universities and international student access.
• Transition Montréal emphasizes French as the city’s public language but promises inclusion and access to services for English speakers.
• Futur Montréal commits to maintaining English access for essential services.
• Action Montréal says English services will remain available upon request.

Martin-Laforge said the next administration must lead by example.

“Your first press conference, speak two languages, speak three,” she said. “Demonstrate the diversity of Montreal.”