Projet Montréal affirms its vision of the French-speaking metropolis of the Americas
Montreal, October 25, 2025 — Proud of the city's French-speaking identity, Projet Montréal announces ambitious new measures to support the integration of newcomers to Montreal in French, while strengthening the place of French-speaking culture in all neighborhoods.
With an investment of $1 million per year, Projet Montréal will double the francization budgets in libraries and cultural centers. The goal is to make these local venues hubs for learning, sharing, and promoting French in neighborhoods, in order to ensure that French remains a driving force for inclusive French-speaking community life throughout the island.
"Culture is the best vehicle for promoting a language. From Kim Thúy to Caroline Dawson, Montreal is full of examples proving that French is a language of the heart, a vehicle for shared identity and pride. By doubling the budgets to bring culture to life in our neighbourhoods, we are affirming the place of French at the heart of community life in the French-speaking metropolis of the Americas," said Luc Rabouin, leader of Projet Montréal.
A constant commitment for eight years
For eight years, promoting and protecting French as a common language has been central to the cultural and administrative policies of the administration led by Projet Montréal. The City appointed a French language commissioner, launched its first action plan to promote French, and all boroughs obtained their certificate of compliance with the Charter of the French Language—a first in 18 years.
PromotingFrench in our neighborhoods and internationally
To counter the decline of French and consolidate these gains, Luc Rabouin's team wants to go further, with an approach rooted in the cultural life of neighborhoods. Projet Montréal is committed to implementing all of the recommendations of the French Language Committee chaired by Louise Harel and to strengthening the French Language Office created in 2025.
To ensure that our neighborhoods vibrate to the rhythm of our language, Projet Montréal is also committed to increasing the presence of Francophone artists in municipal programming, so that Quebec music and culture can resonate in all neighborhoods of the city.
Internationally, Luc Rabouin has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the Réseau des maires francophones (Network of Francophone Mayors) in the city's international representations. These ties facilitate collaboration, attract talent, and encourage academic, technological, and innovation exchanges.
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Source :
Simon Charron
Chief's press officer
Projet Montréal
