Calling 311? Bill 96 now requires Montrealers to 'attest' they can get English services

Residents who wish to speak with the City of Montreal by calling 311 now have to attest they can receive services in English because of Bill 96. New provisions of the language law came into effect Thursday.

Residents who wish to speak with the City of Montreal by calling 311 now have to attest they can receive services in English because of Bill 96.

New provisions of the language law came into effect Thursday. Among them are requirements for the civil administration to use French in an "exemplary manner."

Changes to the city's 311 phone service now require callers to attest "in good faith" that they are eligible to receive English-language services.

Callers are eligible if they are covered by at least one of five exceptions.

Here is a transcript of the new greeting message on 311.

"In accordance with the Charter of the French Language we will be pleased to provide service in English if you attest in good faith that you are covered by one of the following exceptions:

The automated message then instructs the caller to "please press 2" if they attest in good faith or to press 1 for French.