In a rare reversal that has the English-speaking community breathing a sigh of relief, Quebec’s language watchdog has backed down in its dispute with a beloved Montreal pub. The Burgundy Lion, a fixture in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood for 16 years, will keep its English-only exterior sign after facing potential fines under Quebec’s strict language laws.
“It feels like we’ve won a small battle in a much larger war,” Paul Desbaillets, co-owner of the Burgundy Lion Group, told me during a visit to the pub yesterday. The warm interior buzzed with the usual mix of English and French conversations as regulars celebrated the news. “This place has been part of Montreal’s fabric since 2008. Our name is our identity.”
The controversy began when Quebec’s Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) informed the pub that its English-only exterior sign violated Bill 96, the province’s strengthened language law. The legislation requires businesses to prominently display French on all public signage, with French text at least twice as large as other languages.
But after significant public backlash and media attention, the OQLF issued a statement acknowledging the pub’s name should be considered a trademark, exempting it from certain requirements of the law.
“This is how common sense should work,” said Louis Bélanger, a longtime patron sipping a pint at the bar. “I’m Québécois, proud of my language, but this place is called The Burgundy Lion – changing that doesn’t protect French, it just erases character.”
The OQLF clarified that while the pub can keep its name as is, other informational elements on exterior signage must still comply with the law by featuring French prominently.
Montreal language disputes have intensified since Bill 96 took effect in 2022. The legislation expanded language requirements for businesses and reduced the threshold for bilingual status in municipalities. Critics argue these measures disproportionately impact historic English-speaking communities and immigrant-owned businesses.
“We’re seeing increased anxiety across Montreal’s small business community,” explained Christine Hogg, director of the Quebec English Rights Association. “Many owners don’t oppose French signage, but they’re concerned about preserving their cultural identities and heritage within increasingly strict regulations.”
The Burgundy Lion case represents what many call a rare win amid growing tensions. Last month, an Italian café in Mile End faced similar challenges over its menu, while a Greek restaurant in Parc-Extension was cited for English-language social media posts.
Quebec Premier François Legault has defended the legislation as necessary for preserving French in North America, where it remains a minority language. “Protecting French doesn’t mean eliminating English,” Legault stated at a press conference last week. “It means ensuring French remains the common language of Quebec society.”
Walking through Little Burgundy yesterday afternoon, I noticed the neighborhood’s distinctive blend of languages and cultures that make Montreal unique. Conversations shifted seamlessly between French and English as people moved between shops, restaurants, and the Atwater Market.
“Montreal’s charm comes from this balance,” remarked Sophie Tremblay, a French teacher I met enjoying lunch on the Burgundy Lion’s terrace. “We need to protect French, absolutely. But not at the expense of the city’s multicultural character that makes us who we are.”
For Desbaillets and his team, the victory feels bittersweet. “We’re relieved, but concerned for other businesses still fighting similar battles,” he said. “This shouldn’t have been a fight in the first place.”
The Burgundy Lion has long represented the kind of establishment that bridges Montreal’s linguistic communities. On any given evening, you’ll hear conversations flowing between French and English, with menus available in both languages and staff switching effortlessly between them.
As Quebec continues navigating the complex terrain of language protection and cultural diversity, cases like the Burgundy Lion highlight the challenges of implementing broad legislation in a city known for its multicultural fabric.
“At the end of the day, we’re all Montrealers,” Desbaillets reflected as we watched the diverse crowd enjoying the pub’s atmosphere. “Language is important – all our languages are important. But so is the character and history that make this city special.”
