[ramraj07]

Is there any bias against non french speaking people though? Spent a year doing my masters and that's what I came away from there with. If experiences of non-francophile immigrants in spinning startups and getting funding is good then that'll be good to know.

[freeone3000]

If you're not able to speak French, personal bias is a secondary concern. Speaking French in the workplace is legally required. Non-French-speaking immigrants will likely be able to get by in their personal lives with English in Montreal, depending on what you want to do, but if you're selling a product, the product must be available in French. Not complying with these regulations will incur fines from the OQLF.

[gdsdfe]

"Speaking French in the workplace is legally required" I don't think that's true, this is a big misconception. Unless you're working in a shop or something where you interact with clients directly you don't have to speak French. I work for a multinationale that have over 1000 employees in Montréal and everybody speaks English internally same fory previous job a small company of 40ish people

[freeone3000]

English isn't disallowed, but broadcast emails must be also in French, as well as posters, and HR materials, and so on. The OQLF was on our case about a copier that was English-only during our last inspection.

[gdsdfe]

yeah I hear you and while I totally disagree with OQLF practices in the grand scheme of things I don't think it's a big deal, especially for a tech companies ... most of the posters/HR stuff is probably done by bilingual people anyways. The real shortage/competition is for engineers.

[novok]

Selling something in french too isn't the problem, it's how the language of the startup needs to be in french that limits the market significantly. This law is why the center of business moved from montreal to toronto in Canada.

[MartianSquirrel]

It is not legally required, strongly advised by the government. It would go against Section 2 of the Canadian constituion to discriminate on a language basis.

The OQLF asks for companies to use french terminology and tools where possible (the tech sector blatantly ignores it, I've always worked in english, even with french co-workers) and to offer a french translation on signs, menus and documentations in stores.

[freeone3000]

Quebec has a history of using the notwithstanding clause to push through numerous things supposedly prohibited by clause 2. You will absolutely be fined for not having employment documents available in French, or signage with French co-equal. Tech companies usually put in place a do-nothing "francisation plan" and pay any levied fines, but it's a real cost of doing business.

[MartianSquirrel]

Not anymore, not in tech at least. Every single company is looking to hire, they don't have the luxury of cherry picking over languages.

The provincial government can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but they tend not to mess with startups or the tech sector.

My partner is running an interior design business, she is an immigrant, does not have her citizenship/PR yet, with a mediocre french and never really had problems with discrimination or legislation. All she had to do was to make sure every written signs had a french translation somewhere on them, which is common here