'Go Habs Go' just got benched from STM buses and Canadiens fans are pissed

If you’re heading to the Bell Centre or just out and about during playoff season, don't expect Montreal buses to be cheering on the Canadiens with their usual rally cry.

The STM has confirmed that it quietly pulled messages like "Go Canadiens Go" or "Go Habs Go!" from its bus displays after receiving a complaint from the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF).

"The word 'Go' is considered an anglicism," said STM spokesperson Isabelle Tremblay in an emailed statement to MTL Blog. "So the STM committed to removing this word from the signs on its buses moving forward."

Instead of the familiar English chant, which has long been associated with the team, STM riders may now see something like "Allez Montréal" during game days. The change is part of an effort to comply with Quebec's Law 14 (formerly Bill 96), which aims to strengthen protections for the French language.

Funnily enough, the word "Habs" is a shortened version of the French term "Habitants."

The STM says it began updating its bus displays at the end of last summer and finished earlier this year. Because the messages had to be manually changed on each vehicle, the process took several months to complete. The transport agency isn't stopping at hockey, though. It also confirmed the slogan "Go CF MTL Go!" used for Montreal's MLS soccer team has been modified to "Allez! CF MTL Allez!" for the same reason.

"This type of message allowed STM employees to salute national sports teams, support the STM's official partners, and establish the STM as a player in its community," Tremblay explained. "The use of the word 'Go' was employed in a sporting context and was consistent with well-known team slogans like 'Go Montréal.' It allowed for quick understanding and a sense of belonging to those teams."

Meanwhile, on social media, both anglophone and francophone Canadiens fans were quick to share their disappointment with the move.

"This is stupid and counterproductive," one bilingual user wrote in an X post.

Another person argued that whoever called the OQLF to complain should find better ways to spend their time.

"This is ridiculous. Everyone says 'Go Habs Go,'" one user wrote in French.

In an email exchange with Narcity Quebec, the OQLF later confirmed that it stepped in after someone complained about the message "GO! CF MTL GO!" showing up on a Montreal bus. "The Office informed the STM that, under the Charter of the French Language, public bodies have a duty to set an example — which means not using English terms in signage," said spokesperson Gilles Payer. Payer added that the office doesn't force specific changes but works with organizations to make sure their new wording follows the rules.

Given that the Habs are the most storied franchise in hockey, "Allez, Canadiens, Allez!" is likely going to take some getting used to. Here's hoping the OQLF doesn't start issuing penalties for illegal chants from the stands.