MEC, Ameublements Tanguay and Iris receive a Prix Molière, highlighting the appreciation of Quebecers for their remarkable use of the French language
February 24, 2023MONTRÉAL, February 24, 2023 – Three major retail players received today a Prix Molière, a distinction that recognizes excellence in the use of the French language by merchants operating in Quebec. The Retail Council of Canada (RCC), in collaboration with Léger and the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), presented these awards this morning to its members, through the Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, also Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie, Democratic Institutions, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Information, and Laicity.
From left to right: Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language; Marie-Claude Asselin, from MEC; Jean-François Langevin, for Ameublements Tanguay; Éric Babin, from Iris; Ginette Galarneau, President and CEO of OQLF; and Michel Rochette, President of RCC – Quebec
This annual award presentation is made possible thanks to Léger and its study on the use of the French language in the retail trade, conducted among 12,000 Quebec respondents from September 30 to November 6, 2022. This survey assesses consumers’ perception of respect, promotion and use of quality French in business communications.
This year, the three companies that won a Prix Molière are MEC, Ameublements Tanguay and Iris.
MEC: For having “adapted very well to the Francophone context of Quebec in all its activities and communications”.
Ameublements Tanguay: For “making special efforts to improve the quality of French in daily online services and communications”.
Iris: Because “the use of the French language is predominant and of quality in its stores: language of welcome and service, quality of written and spoken French, language of public signage and advertising, language in the workplace, etc.”
“The companies honoured demonstrate a commitment to the French language and, far from being satisfied with the bare minimum, they invest in the francization of the activities of their Quebec branches and their products sold in Quebec. Francophones are creators of collective wealth. Their contribution to Canadian society and economy is significant. The contenders for the three awards illustrate the Francophone economic dynamism. Businesses can be proud of these honours: not only do they demonstrate their excellence, but also their desire to respect Francophone customers,” said Minister Jean-François Roberge.
“OQLF is pleased to count the Retail Council of Canada among its key partners. The presentation of the Prix Molière is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of entrepreneurs who do business in French, a mark of respect for Quebecers’ rights to be informed and served in French,” added Ginette Galarneau, President and CEO of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF).
“Retail companies go to great lengths, day after day, year after year, to adapt to ever-evolving markets, regularly changing shopping habits and ever-changing perspectives. It is in light of all these challenges that we see the value and importance that retailers and their teams attach to the promotion of French, both in quantity and quality. Congratulations to MEC, Tanguay and IRIS: recognition of your efforts is necessary, as they are an example for all other players in the economy,” explained Michel Rochette, President of RCC – Quebec.
To all the winners and to the other retailers who contribute to honouring, invigorating and making heard the language that makes Quebec a place like no other in the world, we offer our warmest congratulations!
About the Retail Council of Canada
Retail is the largest private sector employer in Canada. The sector employs more than 2.2 million people in Canada, including more than 480,000 in Quebec. Each year, the industry pays Quebecers more than $17 billion in wages. Retail sales in La Belle Province amount to more than $130 billion. As the Voice of Retailers™ in Quebec and Canada, theRetail Council of Canada (RCC), an industry-funded, not-for-profit association, represents businesses of all sizes in all regions of the country. There are more than 36,000 stores in Quebec, of which nearly 15,000 are RCC members, operating in all retail sectors such as fashion, jewellery, groceries, pharmaceuticals, hardware, and ranging from independent retailers to big box stores, online stores and much more. https://www.retailcouncil.org/
For questions or more information contact:
Emanuela Lolli
Director, Communications and Events (Quebec)
Mobile: 514 659 4887
elolli@cccd-rcc.org
