Remy was interviewed by a video game company when he asked the obvious question: does he have to learn French to work in Quebec?
Remy was not from the countryside and did not speak the language. The company, like many of the major players in the video game industry in Canada, is based in Quebec.
“[So I asked](Will this be a problem? “Remy said.” Remy is not his real name. CBC News defends his identity because he fears reprisals in the workplace for public speaking.)
“I was assured that all meetings were held in English and learning French was optional and not expected.”
According to the Quebec Ministry of Industry, more than 11,000 people are employed in the video game industry in Quebec, which generates nearly $ 1.75 billion in revenue for the province each year.
But those working in the area say Bill 96, the province’s controversial new language law, puts it all at risk.
Many of these 11,000 workers are newcomers to the countryside, hired from abroad without the French. Now some of them are considering leaving Quebec altogether.
“You can already see it when some people look at Bill 96 and say, ‘Okay, it’s time to pack up and leave,'” Remy said.
Skilled workers in high demand
Bill 96 aims to strengthen Quebec’s language laws with new and expanded rules that affect everything from healthcare to the working language of business.
Part of the law stipulates that immigrants who have been in Quebec for six months or more will have access to most government services only in French.
Remy said that if Bill 96 had been passed before it was hired, it would “definitely have an impact” on his decision to work in Quebec.
He said English is the default language for most of the gaming industry, and some international game developers are learning English just to work in the sector.
Having to learn French can also be too far for some when they can easily find work in Ontario or Vancouver, where the gaming industry is growing rapidly, he said.
“I just don’t see Quebec companies being able to attract talent if that’s what they need [contend with],” he said.
He is not the only one who sees the inscriptions on the wall.
Osama Dorias has worked as a game designer in Montreal for more than 15 years and teaches in video game programs after high school, including Dawson College. He said many video game employees he knows are considering leaving Quebec next year.
While he admits that not everyone will actually go, those who do will find it difficult to replace them. There is a global shortage of labor in the video game industry, so it has been difficult for Quebec-based companies to hire – even before Bill 96, he said.
“Now [those job seekers] they’re just looking elsewhere and I don’t blame them, “he said.” It will be very difficult for us to compete globally. “
Osama Dorias has worked as a game designer in Montreal for more than 15 years and teaches video game programs after high school. (Eli Glasner / CBC)
Although there are many colleges and university programs in Quebec that draw on local talent, they are also attracted by international companies, he said.
“Even if they are Francophones, they leave because they have found a better job in California or Sweden,” Dorias explained.
If Quebec can’t keep its own talent and can’t hire outside the countryside, that doesn’t bode well for the industry. If the studios can’t hire here, they can move elsewhere, he explained.
“We actually have a presence, a global presence as a leader in video games,” Dorias said, “and we’re throwing it all away.”
The industry supports the spirit of the law
Dorias said he had encouraged other game developers to move to Montreal, but since Bill 96 was passed, he said he could not recommend it with a clear conscience.
“The first question I ask is, ‘Do you speak French?’ No? Then you are not welcome. I think you should look elsewhere, “he said.
“It’s like night and day. I switched from an advocate for people to move here, to warning people to move away.”
Christopher Chancy, chairman of the board of the Guilde du jeu video du Québec, which represents video game studios in the countryside, also has concerns.
He said the guild supported French as the default language in Quebec’s gaming industry. In the past, the organization has worked with the government to translate terms from video games that have no French equivalent to reduce anglicism in the workplace.
“But we have a lot of people coming from all over the world to make video games here in Quebec,” he said. “Our fear is that this sends a message [that Quebec is] does not include other crops. “
Chansi said he would be interested in seeing the government extend the six-month term, an idea in another Quebec technology companies have risen in recent weeks.
Students and professionals participate in a seminar during the first week of video games in Sherbrooke, Qc. earlier this year. (Submitted by Sherbrooke Innopole)
He, meanwhile, said the law has a “PR problem” that the government should try to resolve.
“I think everyone understands the importance of the French language… I think it’s just a matter of making sure [newcomers] feel involved too, “Chansi said.
Dorias doesn’t feel that way. He said he was not optimistic that the government would change its mind.
“I think the intention is behind it [Bill 96] is to make certain people feel unwanted, ”he said, expecting Quebec to move all-in with the law.
“I hope I’m wrong. I seriously hope I’m wrong.”
All industries need to do their part, the ministry said
When CBC News reached out to him, the newly formed French Language Protection Service emphasized that the protection of the French language was a collective responsibility.
“All sectors must contribute to efforts to ensure the sustainability of our official and common language,” the statement said.
The ministry added that it will also create Francisation Québec, a new program that will help newcomers learn French “in the classroom, at work, online and in colleges and universities.”
This is something that Remy thinks needs to happen more. He said he was not offered time to learn French during his working day, so he tried to work part-time after his shifts.
Ultimately, he believes that Bill 96 will be effective in creating French jobs – because it will push out those who do not have the time or energy to devote themselves to learning the language.
He needs to know: he has just accepted a job offer in another province.
“I would be lying if I said that Bill 96 does not play a role in this,” he said, although the new job also has better pay and benefits.
Looking back, he said companies have a responsibility to be honest with their employees, instead of “underestimating how important French is” when they hire, as they did with it.
“People will move here, they’ll be stressed and they’ll think it’s just not worth staying here,” he said.
And then – like him – they will leave.
Add Comment