Quebec Language Watchdog Flags Montreal Realtor’s English Social Media Posts

A Montreal real estate broker, Mario Conte, has raised concerns after being contacted by Quebec’s language watchdog, the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), regarding the language used in his social media posts. The OQLF flagged posts on Conte’s Facebook and Instagram accounts that were not exclusively in French.

The Case of Mario Conte

Mario Conte, who has been a real estate broker since 1998 and sells properties in Westmount and Montreal, received a letter from the OQLF about a complaint concerning his Facebook page. An inspection revealed that some of his commercial posts were not entirely in French. Conte, who operates in three languages to serve his diverse clientele, expressed surprise at the agency’s scrutiny, particularly given the global reach of platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He sold over 60 properties last year.

Conte explained that his social media accounts blend professional and personal content. He often posts property listings in both French and English, interspersed with personal updates like birthday messages and family photos, often in English. He believes this approach helps clients connect with him on a more personal level. He attempted to seek clarification from the OQLF but stated his calls went unanswered. Montreal Gazette

OQLF’s Position on Social Media Language

The OQLF maintains that commercial publications disseminated by companies about products or services intended for the Quebec market must be in French, including those on social networks. While publications in other languages are permitted, the French version must be equivalent and accessible under comparable conditions. Noovo Info

The agency clarified that posts for non-commercial purposes can remain in languages other than French, but those of a commercial nature must be available in French.

Conte’s Response and Concerns

Conte questioned the necessity of regulating social media accounts with a global reach based on minor instances of non-French content. He emphasized his commitment to complying with the law but expressed concern that the enforcement felt “a little over the top.” He advocated for a collaborative approach between entrepreneurs and the OQLF rather than unnecessarily complicated regulations.

RE/MAX Action and Mario Conte’s Contact Information

Mario Conte works with RE/MAX Action Inc., with offices covering Westmount, downtown Montreal, St-Henri, Pointe St-Charles, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Côte St-Luc, Montréal-Ouest, and Hampstead. RE/MAX Action

Contact Information:

• Westmount Office: 514-933-6781, westmount@remax-action.ca
• LaSalle Office: 514-364-3222, info@remax-action.ca

Mario Conte’s business card and all printed materials are entirely in French, despite his use of both French and English on social media. RE/MAX Québec