Game over? New language law puts Quebec's video game industry at risk, insiders say
CBC
Remy was interviewing with a video game company when he asked the obvious question: would he need to learn French to work in Quebec?
Remy wasn't from the province and didn't speak the language. The company, like many of the major players in Canada's video game industry, was based in Quebec.
"[So I asked], is that going to be a problem?" Remy said. (Remy is not his real name. CBC News is protecting his identity because he fears work reprisals for speaking publicly.)
"I was assured that all meetings are held in English and learning French … was optional and not expected."
According to Quebec's Industry Ministry, over 11,000 people are employed in the Quebec video game industry, which generates nearly $1.75 billion in revenue for the province every year.
But those who work in the field say Bill 96, the province's controversial new language law, is putting all of that at risk.
Many of those 11,000 workers are newcomers to the province, hired from abroad with no French. Now, some of them are considering quitting Quebec entirely.
"You already see it, with some people who are looking at Bill 96 and saying: 'OK, it's time for me to pack up and leave,'" Remy said.
Bill 96 aims to strengthen Quebec's language laws, with new and expanded rules that touch on everything from health care to the working language of businesses.
One part of the law stipulates that immigrants who have been in Quebec for six months or more will only be able to access most government services in French.
Remy said that if Bill 96 had passed before he had been hired, it "definitely would've had 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 learn English just to work in the sector.
Having to learn French on top of that might be a bridge too far for some, when they can easily get a job in Ontario or Vancouver instead, where the gaming industry is rapidly growing, he said.
"I just don't see Quebec companies being able to attract talent if that's what they have to [contend with]," he said.
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