“98% of stores passed French service inspections. The OQLF says concerns remain.”

Last week’s juxtaposition headline informed Gazette readers that a recent Office québécois de la langue française inspection found that French-language service was available in 98 per cent of 958 stores visited on three major commercial strips in and around Montreal.

Despite the near-perfect score, Quebec’s language watchdog still expressed lingering concerns.

If I were in university, 98 per cent would make me an academic rock star, translating to a solid A-plus grade. If I were an employee scoring 98 per cent in a management certificate program, it would put me on the fast track to a promotion.

Only in Quebec would an inspection showing 98 per cent of surveyed businesses successfully serving clients in French be presented with a gloomy “Yes, but …” caveat.

It’s as if we’re not allowed to feel anything but simmering anxiety about language in this province.

When will we finally acknowledge that Bill 101 has been resoundingly successful in changing Quebec’s linguistic landscape and future?

The results are even more significant considering where those........

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