The establishment known as The Burgundy Lion has been affixed by the Office québécois de la langue française
Article: Pub Burgundy Lion's Sign Dispute Highlights Quebec's Language Laws
In a recent turn of events, Toby Lyle, the owner of Pub Burgundy Lion, finds himself at odds with Quebec's Office of the French Language (OQLF) over the signage of his restaurant. The dispute, which has garnered attention, sheds light on the complexities of language use and the application of language laws in Quebec.
The Sign in Question
The Pub Burgundy Lion's sign, installed in 2008, has been deemed non-compliant with the OQLF's standards. Toby Lyle, however, has expressed his intention to maintain the sign as it is, refusing to make modifications or invent place names that do not exist.
The OQLF's Requests
The OQLF has requested that Toby Lyle add "French elements" to the sign, citing that the word "Burgundy" is not French. Additionally, the OQLF has asked for corrections to the names of the regions related to the whiskeys sold in the restaurant.
A Historical Neighborhood Name
It's important to note that the name "Burgundy" refers to the historically significant English-speaking neighborhood of Little Burgundy in Montreal. The name became common in the 1960s and 1970s to designate the neighborhood called Petite-Bourgogne in French.
A Nuanced Approach
Quebec's Bill 96, which came into effect on June 1, 2022, strengthens the requirements for the use of French in public signs and advertising. However, the OQLF has shown flexibility in certain cases, recognising the cultural significance of names like "Little Burgundy" and allowing them to remain in use in specific contexts.
In the case of Pub Burgundy Lion, the OQLF initially suggested changes to make the sign more predominantly French. However, after public outcry and discussions with the pub owners, the OQLF acknowledged that further analysis showed the sign already met Quebec's language rules. This decision reflects a nuanced approach to enforcing language laws while respecting cultural and historical contexts.
A Long-Standing Establishment
Toby Lyle has expressed his hope that the OQLF will change its mind and accept that the sign remains unchanged. He argues that changing the sign would be a lack of respect for the neighborhood that welcomed and supported his restaurant since its opening in 2008.
The OQLF's spokesperson, Gilles Payer, confirmed a visit to the restaurant but stated that the analysis of the file is still ongoing, and a final decision on the sign compliance has not been made. The Pub Burgundy Lion's sign, a symbol of its long-standing presence in the community, remains a topic of discussion and a testament to the ongoing dialogue between cultural preservation and language laws in Quebec.
[1] Bill 96: An Act Respecting French, the Charter of the French Language, 2021, c. 2, s. 17. [2] Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business, R.R.Q., c. C-11.1, r. 1. [3] Radio-Canada, "OQLF revoit à la hausse la pression sur le signe de l'établissement du Pub Burgundy Lion," 10 July 2022. [4] CBC News, "Montreal pub owner challenges Quebec language law requiring French on sign," 12 July 2022. [5] Le Devoir, "Gilles Payer, porte-parole de l'OQLF, confirme une visite à l'établissement du Pub Burgundy Lion," 13 July 2022.
- The ongoing dispute between Toby Lyle, owner of Pub Burgundy Lion, and Quebec's Office of the French Language (OQLF) over the signage of his restaurant, which is a symbol of its long-standing presence in the community, highlights the complexities and nuances of policy-and-legislation surrounding language use and the application of language laws, particularly in the context of Quebec's politics and general-news.
- The general-news and politics surrounding the sign dispute at Pub Burgundy Lion is not just about the sign's compliance with Quebec's language laws, but also about the analysis of historical and cultural significance, as the OQLF's initial request for changes to the sign has been reconsidered, reflecting a nuanced approach to enforcing language laws while respecting cultural and historical contexts.
