Glossaire français

0.75x or 0.5x playback speed

Slowed playback speeds available on most platforms. 0.75x = 75% of normal speed (preserves voice quality); 0.5x = half speed (becomes choppy but useful for the very hardest passages).

211 (services directory)

The free Quebec phone line directing callers to community, social, and public services.

Two-bedroom apartment

Quebec rental terminology — a 4½ has 4 rooms + a half-room for the bathroom.

Accompagnement Québec (newcomer support service)

A free government service that pairs newcomers with an officer who guides them through francisation, employment, and integration steps.

Social security agreement

A bilateral agreement that lets immigrants from certain countries skip the RAMQ waiting period.

Installment payments

Quarterly tax pre-payments to avoid a large bill at year end.

Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving — celebrated the second Monday of October.

action items

Action items — concrete next steps with an owner and deadline. Quebec meetings almost always end with these. 'Qui prend ça en charge?' = who's taking ownership of that?

Eligibility

Meeting the conditions to qualify for a service.

Eligible

Meeting the conditions to qualify for a service.

EI (Employment Insurance)

Assurance-emploi — federal program covering job loss, parental leave (outside Quebec), and sickness.

Financial aid

Money provided by the government to support you during your studies.

Legal aid

Government-funded legal representation for low-income individuals.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The federal monthly tax-free benefit paid to families with children under 18.

Quebec Family Allowance

The Quebec provincial family allowance paid by Retraite Québec to families with children.

Daily allowance

A daily payment to support living costs while studying.

Aluminum smelter

An industrial plant that produces aluminum — Saguenay's iconic industry.

language-exchange apps

Smartphone apps connecting native speakers of different languages who want to teach each other. Free tier usually sufficient. The principle: you teach yours, they teach theirs.

Cash

Physical bills and coins, as opposed to card payment.

Scams

Frauds — someone tricking you into paying for something fake or that doesn't exist.

Borough

An administrative subdivision of a Quebec city — like a borough in Montréal or Saguenay.

Greater Montreal Transit Authority

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain — sets fares and coordinates transit across Greater Montreal.

Group insurance (employer-provided)

Insurance offered by employers, often covering dental, vision, and prescriptions.

Drug insurance (mandatory in Quebec)

Mandatory in Quebec — either through employer's group plan or RAMQ's public plan.

Temporary private insurance

A short-term health insurance plan covering the gap between arrival and RAMQ eligibility.

Private health insurance

A non-public health insurance plan you buy to cover medical care.

Employment Insurance (EI)

A federal program providing temporary benefits during job loss, illness, or parental leave (outside Quebec).

now (Quebec)

Spoken contraction of 'à cette heure' meaning 'now'. Heard constantly in conversation. International FR uses 'maintenant'.

Conversation workshops

Group sessions where learners practice speaking French in a low-pressure setting.

French-language workshops

Free language classes to help newcomers practice and learn French.

official certificate

An official letter or certificate confirming a status, fact, or right. Slightly more formal than a simple 'lettre' — it carries legal weight.

Social security coverage certificate

An official certificate from your home country's social security agency.

('Looking forward', friendly closing)

A warmer Quebec closing meaning 'until next time' or 'looking forward'. Slightly less formal than 'Cordialement', warmer in tone. Common in colleague-to-colleague emails.

Local buses

City buses serving short trips inside one municipality or agglomeration.

Greater Montreal Transit Authority

The agency that sets fares and coordinates transit across Greater Montreal.

notice of rent increase

The legal notice the landlord must send 3 to 6 months before the lease ends. You have one month to refuse, in writing, after receiving it.

Compost bin

Brown bin for food and organic waste — collected weekly in most cities.

Bachelor's degree

The first university degree — typically 3 years in Quebec.

Lease

Formal rental contract signed via the official Quebec form.

Podcast (Quebec French term)

The official Quebec French word for podcast — a contraction of baladeur (Walkman) + diffusion.

podcasts (Quebec term)

The Quebec word for podcast. Some are designed specifically for learners — slower speech, written transcripts, vocabulary lists. Search 'français débutant' or 'learn French Quebec' on your podcast app.

Quebec national library

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. The flagship public library, with the central building Grande Bibliothèque at Berri-UQAM metro. Pronounced 'bank'.

Food bank

An organization that distributes free food to people in need.

Leases

Legal contracts between tenants and landlords — usually 12 months in Quebec.

Library

A public space where you can borrow books, films and other media for free.

Montreal public library system

The 45-branch network of public libraries in Montreal. Free membership for residents. Offers programs in French, English, and several immigrant languages.

girlfriend (informal)

Standard Quebec word for girlfriend, regardless of hair color. 'Ma blonde et moi' is neutral, not poetic. International FR uses 'petite amie' or 'copine'.

('Have a good day', friendly closing)

An everyday friendly closing, especially when sent in the morning. 'Bonne fin de journée' if sent in the afternoon. Common in Quebec — rarely heard from a Parisian.

Report card

School progress report — Quebec issues three per year.

(strong sacre, from 'calice')

Strong sacre derived from the Catholic chalice. Used as an interjection, an intensifier, or even a verb ('s'en câlisser' = not to care). Avoid in formal contexts.

Eastern Townships

Region southeast of Montréal — Sherbrooke and Magog.

CarFax Canada (vehicle history)

The most-used vehicle history service in Canada.

Quebec Winter Carnival

Two-week winter festival in Québec City — world's largest winter carnival.

vocabulary notebook

A small notebook (paper or app) where you note unknown words you hear. Three lines per word: the word, the context sentence, the translation. Reviewed weekly, this is the single highest-leverage learning habit.

health insurance card

The official RAMQ card. Often nicknamed 'carte soleil' (sun card) because of its yellow color. Both names are interchangeable in conversation.

Debit card

A card linked to your bank account that pays directly from your funds.

Resident card

An official card proving you live in the city, granting access to local services.

Permanent Resident Card (PR card)

The federal Canadian card proving permanent resident status.

Multi card

A combined STO + OC Transpo transit pass for cross-border commuters.

OPUS card

The reloadable smart card used to pay transit fares across Greater Montreal.

Photo OPUS card

An OPUS card displaying the holder's photo, required for reduced-fare passes.

RAMQ card (health insurance)

The Quebec health insurance card — required for free public healthcare.

Sun card (Quebec slang for the health card)

The everyday Quebec name for the health insurance card, due to the sun symbol on it.

CEGEP

Quebec-unique post-secondary college bridging high school and university.

School service centre

The Quebec equivalent of a school district.

Centre-du-Québec region

Quebec administrative region between Montréal and Québec City.

conversation circles

Drop-in group practice sessions. Typically 90 minutes, ~10 participants, led by a volunteer facilitator. The single most cost-effective way to practice spoken French in Montreal.

Citizenship ceremony

The official ceremony where you take the citizenship oath and receive your certificate.

Certificate of eligibility

Official document granting a child access to English public school in Quebec.

Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

A document confirming a person has been selected for permanent immigration to Quebec.

car (informal)

Used in conversation between friends, family, colleagues. In writing or at official counters, use 'voiture'. From English 'car' (despite the spelling).

Charter of the French Language

Quebec's foundational law on the French language, also known as Bill 101 (Loi 101).

Quebec Charter of Rights

Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms — protects against discrimination in hiring.

NSF cheque (bounced cheque)

A cheque written when your account doesn't have enough money. The bank charges a fee (~$45) and the recipient often charges one too. Avoid at all costs.

I am (spoken contraction)

Spoken contraction of 'je suis'. Universal in spoken Quebec. 'Chu fatigué' = I'm tired. Never written in formal text.

Weekly flyers

Weekly grocery flyers showing sale items — published every Thursday.

citizenship

Canadian citizenship. 'Demander la citoyenneté' = to apply for citizenship. The status itself; the document you receive is a 'certificat de citoyenneté'.

Original citizenship

The citizenship you held before becoming Canadian — Canada allows dual citizenship.

Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre

The administrative entity that groups hospitals, CLSCs, and clinics across a region of Montreal.

Welcome class

An intensive French-language program for newcomer students who don't yet speak French.

Walk-in clinic

A medical clinic that sees patients without an appointment, typically on a first-come, first-served basis.

Local Community Service Centre

A neighbourhood-level public clinic for routine care, vaccinations, and social services.

Legal Services Commission

Quebec's agency that administers free legal aid for low-income citizens.

Compost (organic waste)

Organic waste — food scraps, yard trimmings — turned into fertilizer.

Accountant

A professional who manages tax filings and financial records.

Bank account

An account at a financial institution that holds your money and lets you pay or receive funds.

Chequing account

A daily-use account for payments, deposits, and debit transactions.

Savings account

An account where money earns a small interest while being kept aside.

Residency obligation

The minimum-presence rule (730 days in 5 years) PRs must meet to keep their status.

Confirmation of Permanent Residence

The official document issued when permanent residence is granted, before the card arrives.

Common-law partner

A partner you've lived with for at least 12 continuous months in a marriage-like relationship.

advisor

The bank employee who handles account openings and financial advice. More formal than 'préposé'; you have an appointment with a 'conseiller', not just a counter agent.

Lease

A legal document for renting a home.

(neutral email closing — 'Sincerely')

The default neutral closing for Quebec professional emails. Equivalent to 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards' in English. Universally appropriate.

Transfer

Switching from one transit line to another.

Costco

A members-only warehouse club selling bulk products at discount.

Email

Quebec-coined word for email; in France, e-mail or mail.

Confirmation email

An automated email acknowledging that your application was received.

French-language classes

Free government-funded French classes for newcomers.

Online courses

Courses you follow over the internet from home.

Private coverage

Health insurance coverage from a private provider, not the government.

Carpooling

Ride-sharing — popular services in Quebec include Amigo Express and BlaBlaCar.

Quebec Selection Certificate

Document confirming Quebec has selected you for permanent immigration.

Quebec-style résumé

The Quebec convention for résumés — no photo, no date of birth, structured by relevance.

standing (Quebec spoken)

Quebec pronunciation of 'debout' with final 't'. 'Reste deboutte' = stay standing.

College diploma

Diplôme d'études collégiales — completed at a cégep.

Birth declaration

Mandatory Quebec form to officialize a baby's name — within 30 days.

Tax return

An annual report of your income filed with the government.

Waiting period

A waiting period before insurance coverage begins.

processing time

The processing time for an application. Always check the current 'délai' on the agency's website — it changes throughout the year.

(you) move (homes)

From the verb déménager — to change your home address.

Snow removal

Clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, roads — a big monthly expense in winter.

Vocational diploma

Diplôme d'études professionnelles — vocational training certificate.

Security deposit

A deposit held against damage — illegal in Quebec residential leases.

direct deposit

Your employer deposits salary directly into your account. Set up by giving them a 'spécimen de chèque' (voided cheque) with your account number.

Desjardins (Quebec cooperative)

The largest financial cooperative in Quebec, owned by its members.

Automatic ticketing machines

Self-service machines in stations where you buy or reload OPUS cards.

popular Quebec police drama

A long-running Quebec police drama on Radio-Canada (2016-2022, available on Tou.tv). Characteristic Quebec accents, urban Montreal setting. Often recommended for B1 learners — natural Quebec dialogue with strong context.

said

The past participle of 'dire' (to say). Standard FR: silent 't' [di]. Quebec spoken: often [dit] — 'il a dite' (heard, but never written this way).

Mobile data

The volume of internet data you can use over the cellular network each month.

Ecocentre (recycling drop-off)

A municipal facility for dropping off large or special waste — free for residents.

Affordable

Inexpensive; reasonable in cost.

Quebec employment service

Provincial job-search and career-support service.

Financial undertaking

The sponsor's legal commitment to financially support the sponsored person for a fixed period.

Inter-government agreements

Bilateral or multilateral agreements (e.g. France–Québec) that grant reduced tuition to certain nationalities.

Job interview

Quebec word for a job interview; in France the more common word is entretien.

Comparative evaluation

An official MIFI document comparing your foreign diploma to Quebec equivalents.

road test

The on-road driving test with an SAAQ examiner. About 45 minutes, evaluates real driving skills.

written test

The written knowledge test, on a computer at the SAAQ. Available in many languages — request yours when booking.

Proficiency tests

The written and road tests required to obtain a driver's licence.

Exempt

Not required to follow a rule or condition.

Greater Montreal regional transit

The regional rail and bus operator for the suburban areas around Montreal.

Windchill

The combined effect of cold and wind on perceived temperature — feels colder than actual.

Quebec's national holiday

June 24 — also called Saint-Jean-Baptiste; biggest civic celebration of the year.

Quebec National Holiday

Quebec's official national holiday — also called la Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Weekend

Quebec uses fin de semaine; in France, week-end is more common.

will fit (anglicism, very common in Quebec workplaces)

Quebec workplace anglicism: the verb 'fitter' (from English 'to fit'). 'Tu fittes dans l'équipe' = you fit the team. Used in conversation; in writing, the OQLF prefers 'cadrer' or 's'intégrer'.

Fizz (Quebec online-only carrier)

A Quebec mobile brand from Vidéotron — fully online, no contract, monthly plan adjustment.

Fjord

A long narrow inlet between cliffs — the Saguenay Fjord is one of the world's longest.

Federal public service

Civil servants who work for the Government of Canada.

Annual benefit cap

A capped yearly benefit amount, e.g., a fixed dollar limit toward glasses per calendar year.

Newcomer package

A bank account package — usually free of monthly fees for the first year — designed for new immigrants.

Mobile phone plans

Monthly mobile service packages including voice, text, and data.

Form

An official document with fields you fill in.

registration form

The application form. 'S'inscrire' = to register; the form documents the registration.

Provider

The company supplying your service — Bell, Vidéotron, Rogers, Fizz, EBOX.

Childcare fees

The cost of a daycare or babysitter for your children while you attend class.

French-language classes

Free government-funded French classes for newcomers.

Francisation Québec (unified French-learning portal)

The single government portal launched in June 2023 to register for any free French course in Quebec.

Frequency

How often the bus passes a given stop.

cold (Quebec spoken)

Quebec pronunciation of 'froid' with final 't' and shifted vowel. 'Y'fait frette' is the canonical winter complaint. Very common, all registers except formal writing.

Thrift store

A second-hand clothing store — usually run by non-profits in Quebec.

fun (adjective)

Used as an adjective in Quebec: 'c'est le fun', 'une fille fun'. Pronounced [fɔn] (rhymes with 'ton'), not [fʌn] like English. International FR would say 'amusant' or 'sympa'.

GAMF (family doctor access counter)

Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille — Quebec's official family doctor waiting list.

Black ice

A thin, transparent layer of ice on pavement — invisible and very slippery.

Family medicine group

Groupe de médecine de famille — a multi-professional clinic with shared patients.

Free

No cost involved.

Pregnancy

The condition of being pregnant.

HelloTalk (language-exchange app)

Similar to Tandem, slightly more focused on text-based exchange. Strong for asynchronous practice — write a message, native speaker corrects it.

Rush hour

Peak traffic times in the morning and late afternoon.

Credit history

The record of how you have used and repaid credit — essential for big purchases or rentals.

hockey (universal Quebec topic)

Hockey, especially the Canadiens de Montréal, is a near-universal small-talk topic across age groups, regions, and political views in Quebec. Following at least the playoffs is a social asset.

City Hall

The main administrative building of a city.

Hydro-Québec

The province-owned electricity utility — your monthly power bill.

ICI Musique (music radio)

Radio-Canada's music station, mostly francophone music with French DJs. Listen for the language exposure between songs — short, conversational, low-stakes.

Radio-Canada's main talk-radio station

The talk-radio division of Radio-Canada. Mostly news, current affairs, interviews. Streams free at radio-canada.ca.

here (Quebec)

Quebec spoken form of 'ici' (here). The final 't' is pronounced — characteristic of Quebec preserving final consonants that international FR drops.

vehicle registration

The annual registration of the vehicle with SAAQ. Renewable each year on your license's anniversary date. Includes a fixed fee plus an insurance contribution.

passive immersion

Exposure to a language as background — radio while cooking, TV while ironing. Less effective than active practice but compounds over time, especially for accent and rhythm.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

The federal department that handles immigration and citizenship matters.

Income tax

The tax levied on personal or business income.

weekly satirical news show

The weekly satirical news roundup on Radio-Canada. Mocks Quebec politicians and current events. Requires knowing the news of the week to catch the jokes — a B2+ test by definition.

Mechanical inspection

A pre-purchase technical examination by a mechanic — reveals hidden issues.

I'm going (spoken contraction)

Spoken contraction of 'je vais'. Used for going somewhere or for the future tense. 'J'va au magasin' = I'm going to the store. 'J'va t'appeler' = I'll call you.

'I'm not sure I follow'

The polite Quebec phrase for asking for clarification without admitting confusion. Implies the speaker may have been unclear, not the listener slow. Universally accepted.

Public holidays

Quebec's 8 paid statutory holidays — fête nationale, Pâques, Action de grâce, etc.

proof of address

Any official document showing where you live — utility bill, lease, bank statement. 'Justificatif' alone means any supporting document.

supporting documents

Supporting documents — proofs of identity, address, income, etc. Plural is the standard usage; 'pièce justificative' = a single supporting document.

La Place 0-5 (Quebec childcare portal)

The Quebec government online portal for registering on subsidized daycare waiting lists.

Pass

A pre-paid ticket valid for unlimited rides during a set period.

Eligibility letter

An official letter confirming when your RAMQ coverage starts.

Cover letter

A short personalized letter accompanying your résumé, explaining why you want the specific role.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Top developmental hockey league for ages 16–20 in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Tenant

The person renting — you, if you sign a bail.

Tenants

People who rent a home from a landlord.

Temporary housing

A short-term place to live (hotel, Airbnb, furnished studio) while you search for a long-term apartment.

Bill 101 (Charter of the French Language)

The Quebec law requiring most immigrant children to attend French school until end of high school.

Bill 96

The 2022 law strengthening the use of French in Quebec workplaces and services.

Glasses and eye exam

Eyeglasses and an eye check-up by an optometrist.

I'm going to (Quebec future)

Quebec spoken future tense, contraction of 'je m'en vais'. Even shorter than 'j'va'. 'M'a t'appeler' = I'm going to call you. Highly characteristic of Quebec speech.

To shop

Quebec verb for to shop; in France, the verb is faire les magasins.

Infectious diseases

Illnesses caused by microorganisms that can spread between people.

Mauricie region

Quebec administrative region centered on Trois-Rivières.

Family doctor

Your assigned primary-care physician — register via guichet d'accès.

Meetup (event platform)

In-person event platform. Search 'French Conversation Montreal' or 'French Practice' for regular gatherings — usually held at cafés or community centers, free or pay-what-you-can.

Quebec Immigration Ministry

Ministère de l'Immigration — handles selection, francisation, integration.

Ministry of Immigration

MIFI — the Quebec ministry responsible for immigration, francisation and integration.

Down payment

The cash portion of the home price you pay upfront. Minimum 5% in Canada.

Mold

Fungal growth, often in damp areas — a serious health hazard.

Montreal-Trudeau (the main international airport)

The main international airport serving Montreal — official code YUL.

Snowmobile

A motorized vehicle for traveling on snow — a Québécois winter staple.

Social Insurance Number

Federal nine-digit number required to work legally in Canada.

PIN

Numéro d'identification personnel — the four-digit code for your debit card. Always pronounced as letters: 'enne-i-pé', not 'nip'.

night (Quebec spoken)

Quebec pronunciation of 'nuit' with audible final 't'. Heard in expressions like 'toute la nuitte' = all night long. Casual register.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A 9-digit federal number you need to work in Canada or access government services. Free to obtain.

Reference number

A unique number used to track or look up your file.

Individual reference number

A unique number assigned by the MIFI to track your francisation file.

Mandatory

Required by rule or law.

Radio-Canada's audio platform

Radio-Canada's free podcast and on-demand audio platform. Browser-friendly, no app required. The largest single library of Quebec audio content.

we can switch to 'tu'

The standard Quebec phrase for proposing a switch from vous to tu. Often shortened to 'on se tutoie?'. The proposer is usually the person of higher status.

OPUS card

Rechargeable transit card used across Greater Montréal (STM, STL, RTL, exo).

Sherbrooke's transit card

The OPUS variant used by Sherbrooke's STS network.

Quebec language office

Office québécois de la langue française — the agency safeguarding French in Quebec. Has its own podcast series explaining usage, anglicism alternatives, and Québécismes. Geeky but informative for advanced learners.

prescription

The written prescription. 'Faire renouveler son ordonnance' = to get a refill. The pharmacist 'exécute' (fills) the ordonnance.

Reverse chronological order

Most recent first, going backwards in time.

(medium sacre, from 'hostie')

Sacre derived from the Eucharistic host. Slightly softer than 'tabarnak' but still impolite. Often used as 'ostie de…' to insult something.

Outaouais region

Western Quebec region — includes Gatineau, across from Ottawa.

to sponsor (a relative)

To sponsor a family member's immigration. The noun is 'parrainage'. Distinct from 'parrain' (godfather) — same root, different domain.

iconic Quebec children's show

The iconic Quebec children's show, originally aired in the 70s-80s and rebooted in 2019 for a new generation. Slow speech, simple vocabulary, cultural references widely recognized in Quebec.

Ice skating

Skating on ice; patinoires are open all winter, indoor and outdoor.

Skating rink

Indoor or outdoor ice rink — most neighbourhoods maintain one in winter.

Outdoor skating rink

A flooded and frozen outdoor surface for skating, maintained free by the city in winter.

coffee break

The mid-morning or afternoon coffee break — short (10–15 min) but socially important. Often happens around the office coffee machine. Refusing them all signals withdrawal.

Country of origin

The country that issued your current driver's licence.

Country with a reciprocity agreement

A country that has signed a licence-exchange agreement with Quebec, allowing exchange without testing.

driver's license

The driver's license. Note: 'permis' alone, in everyday speech, often refers specifically to this.

Foreign licence

A driver's licence issued by another country or another Canadian province.

Probationary licence

A restricted licence given to drivers with less than 24 months of experience — zero alcohol tolerance, fewer demerit points allowed.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy — treatment of injuries and movement disorders through guided exercise.

Bike paths

Paved or marked paths reserved for bicycles, separate from car traffic.

license plates

The license plates. 'Immatriculer' = to register (a vehicle). The plate is the visible end-state of the immatriculation process.

Winter tires

Mandatory by law on all Quebec vehicles December 1 – March 15.

agenda items

The items on a meeting agenda. 'Ordre du jour' = agenda. 'Points' = items. 'Le premier point à l'ordre du jour' = the first agenda item.

Demerit points

Penalty points that accumulate on a driver's record — too many lead to licence suspension.

Service points

Smaller local branches of a city service centre, away from the main City Hall.

Mortgage pre-approval

A bank's commitment of how much you can borrow, with the rate locked for 90-120 days.

pre-authorized debit

A standing authorization for someone to pull money from your account on a schedule. Common for rent, hydro, internet, gym memberships.

In-person

Classes held in person at a physical location, not online.

Book loans

Borrowing books for a set period at no cost.

Proof of address

A document confirming where you live (lease, utility bill, etc.).

Proof of identity

An official document with your photo confirming who you are (passport, driver's licence).

Proof of residence

A document that confirms your current home address.

PRIIME (Employment Integration Program)

A Quebec program subsidizing employers who hire immigrants for their first North American work experience in their field.

Regulated profession

A profession requiring a license from a professional order to practice in Quebec.

Pulp mill

A historic pulp mill — Chicoutimi's pulperie is a national historic site and museum.

4½ apartment

Quebec apartment-size shorthand — a 4½ is roughly a 2-bedroom: living room + kitchen + 2 bedrooms + bathroom counted as a half.

Québec emploi (official government job board)

The free official Quebec job board run by the provincial government.

Feeder service

A bus route that drops passengers at a metro or rail station to continue their trip.

regional radio

Local radio stations from outside Montreal — Saguenay, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord. Accents are stronger, vocabulary less standardized. Excellent for hearing Quebec's regional diversity once you're solid at B2.

Radio-Canada (public broadcaster)

Quebec's public broadcaster — French equivalent of CBC, often compared to BBC for quality.

Radio-Canada First (radio)

The talk-radio station of Radio-Canada. Mostly news, current affairs, interviews. Excellent listening practice once you reach B1 — speakers are clear and pace is moderate.

Quebec Health Insurance Plan

The provincial public health insurance — issues your green health card.

Hiking

Walking long distances on trails — many SÉPAQ parks offer marked trails.

Bus rapid transit

Gatineau's bus rapid transit system with a dedicated, separated lane.

Snowshoeing

Walking on snow with wide flat frames strapped to your boots — keeps you on top instead of sinking.

Achievements

Concrete results from your work — not just tasks performed.

receipt of application

The stamped acknowledgement that your application has been received. Crucial document — keep it. Different from a 'reçu' (commercial receipt).

Reloadable

Can be topped up with new credit instead of being replaced.

Credential recognition

The process of having a foreign degree or diploma evaluated and equated to a Quebec credential.

Recognition of foreign credentials

The process of having your foreign qualifications evaluated and accepted in Quebec.

Recycling

Materials processed to make new products: paper, glass, plastic, metal.

RRSP

Registered Retirement Savings Plan — tax-deferred retirement account.

Refugees

People granted protection in Canada because of persecution in their home country.

Quebec Health Insurance Board

The provincial agency that runs Quebec's public health insurance plan.

Relevé 1 (Quebec income statement)

The yearly Quebec slip — RL-1 — summarizing income and provincial deductions.

T4 slips

Federal income statements provided by your Canadian employer.

Montréal light-metro

Réseau express métropolitain — automated electric light-metro.

Quebec Health Appointment

The provincial booking platform for walk-in clinic appointments.

Renewable

Can be extended for another period if no one else has reserved it.

To renew

To extend the validity of a document or membership.

Guarantor

A Canadian citizen who has known you 2+ years and certifies your identity for the passport application.

Capital region transit network

Quebec City's public bus authority.

Longueuil Transit Network

The public transit agency for the agglomeration of Longueuil, including Brossard.

Greater Montreal express network

The automated light-metro network connecting the South Shore, downtown Montreal, the West Island and the airport.

Metropolitan transit network (ARTM)

The Greater Montreal transit authority that runs zones B, C, D for travel beyond the island of Montreal.

Permanent resident

A non-citizen with the right to live and work in Canada permanently.

Permanent residents

Non-citizens with the right to live and work in Canada permanently.

termination

Ending the lease before its term. Only allowed in specific cases (job transfer over 50 km, domestic violence, senior care needs). Talk to the TAL.

Retraite Québec

The Quebec agency that administers the public pension plan and family allowance.

meeting

Standard FR for 'meeting'. Quebec also uses the anglicism 'meeting' in conversation, but 'réunion' is the written form and the safer choice.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The federal agency that collects taxes for the Government of Canada.

Revenu Québec

The Quebec agency that collects provincial taxes.

Green Route

A 5,300-km network of bike paths spanning Quebec.

QPIP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan)

Régime québécois d'assurance parentale — funds parental leave benefits in Quebec.

QPP (Quebec Pension Plan)

Régime de rentes du Québec — Quebec's public pension contribution.

Longueuil transit agency

Réseau de transport de Longueuil.

Quebec Auto Insurance Board

Issues driver's licences and vehicle registration; runs the public auto-insurance plan.

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region

Northern Quebec region around the fjord and the big lake.

Gross salary

Total salary before any deductions — the figure quoted in job offers.

Net salary (take-home)

What lands in your bank account after all deductions.

No commitment

Month-to-month plan — no long-term contract, no cancellation penalty.

SAQ (Quebec liquor monopoly)

Société des alcools du Québec — Quebec's state-owned liquor retailer.

Non-slip sole

A boot sole designed to grip on ice and snow.

Walking trails

Maintained paths through a park, designed for walking and easy hiking.

Quebec parks system

Société des établissements de plein air du Québec — runs the provincial parks.

Citizenship oath

The formal pledge required to become a Canadian citizen.

Service Canada

The federal government agency that delivers programs like the SIN, EI, and pensions.

School-based daycare

Before- and after-school care offered at the elementary school itself.

Quebec service centre

One-stop counter for provincial services and document requests.

Services Québec

The provincial agency that delivers public services including employment assistance.

Cross-country skiing

A winter sport done on flat or rolling trails, popular and accessible across Quebec.

Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation

The provincial agency that manages driver's licences, vehicle registration, and public auto insurance.

Montreal Transit Corporation

The public agency that operates the Montreal metro and bus network.

Trois-Rivières transit authority

The local public bus operator for the Trois-Rivières area.

Medical care

Medical services covered by the public health system.

Balance owing

Money still due after the tax return is filed.

Underemployed

Working in a job below your qualification level — a common pitfall for newcomers.

subtitles

Subtitles. Watching Quebec series with French subtitles (not English) is the highest-leverage practice combination — your eyes and ears reinforce each other.

French subtitles

French subtitles on French content. The cardinal rule for language learning: never use English subtitles on French content. Eyes and ears reinforce each other; English subtitles let your brain take the easy way out.

Internships

Paid or unpaid work placements that are part of a study program — common in cégep technical DECs.

STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

A structured way to answer behavioral interview questions: describe the Situation, your Task, your Action, the Result.

Parking

Quebec uses stationnement on signs; France often uses parking.

Park and ride

A free or low-cost parking lot next to a transit station, designed for commuters who drive part of their trip.

Laval Transit Network

Société de transport de Laval — the local bus operator.

Lévis Transit Network

Société de transport de Lévis — the local bus operator.

Montréal transit agency

Société de transport de Montréal — metro + bus on the island.

Outaouais Transit Network

Société de transport de l'Outaouais — the local bus operator for Gatineau and surrounding area.

Saguenay transit agency

Société de transport du Saguenay.

Unionized

Members of a syndicat (union) — typically with collective-agreement-protected pay and benefits.

you are (spoken contraction)

Spoken contraction of 'tu es'. 'T'es prêt?' = are you ready? International FR also uses this casually, but it's especially universal in Quebec.

T4 slip (federal income statement)

The yearly federal slip summarizing your income and federal deductions.

(strong sacre, from 'tabernacle')

The most iconic Quebec sacre. Strong register — equivalent to a hard English F-word in intensity. Often softened to 'tabarnouche' in family settings.

Administrative Housing Tribunal

Tribunal administratif du logement — replaced the Régie du logement in 2020. Decides landlord-tenant disputes. Always pronounced as letters.

Tandem (language-exchange app)

The largest language-exchange app. Free tier allows text and voice messages with native speakers. Profile-matching by goals and interests.

Quebec resident rate

The reduced tuition rate offered to Quebec residents, also extended via ententes to certain nationalities.

Reduced fares

Discounted fares for students, children, and people 65 and older.

Taxi-bus

A reservation-based shared taxi service that integrates with bus routes.

Telehealth

A medical consultation by video or phone without going to a clinic.

evening TV news

Radio-Canada's main evening news bulletin (22h). The flagship news program in Quebec. Once you can follow it, your French is solidly B2.

Remote work

Working from home — common post-pandemic; sometimes called à distance.

Storm

A snowstorm or general bad-weather event.

Full-time

A full-time schedule of intensive study.

Part-time

A reduced schedule, usually evenings or weekends.

Citizenship test

A 30-minute test on Canadian history, geography, politics, and values.

you (Quebec speech)

Quebec spoken form of 'toi'. Same register as 'moé' — informal speech, not writing.

Tou.tv (Radio-Canada streaming)

Radio-Canada's free streaming platform. Pronounced as letters: 'tou-té-vé'. Free tier covers the bulk of Quebec series, news, documentaries; 'Tou.tv Extra' adds more for a small fee.

Quebec preschool animated series

Animated preschool series on Radio-Canada — short episodes (3-5 min), simple vocabulary, very slow pacing. Excellent for absolute beginners.

Quebec's iconic Sunday talk show

The Sunday-evening talk show on Radio-Canada — the cultural institution every Quebec public figure eventually appears on. Fast pace, multiple guests, cultural in-jokes. Following it = solid B2.

GST

Federal Goods and Services Tax — 5%.

Urgent processing

An expedited service for PR card renewal when travel is needed quickly — requires proof.

Collective transit

Rural shared transit service typical of MRC outside major cities.

Self-employed workers

Independent workers — freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors.

Temporary workers

People with a temporary work permit in Canada.

Ferry

Cross-river ferry — notably the Lévis–Québec one.

Administrative Housing Tribunal

Quebec's rental dispute body, formerly known as the Régie du logement.

Trois-Rivières

Major city directly across the Saint-Laurent from Bécancour.

Emergency kit

A pre-packed bag with supplies in case you get stranded.

Informal 'tu' address

Using 'tu' — more common in Quebec than in France but still avoided in initial professional contexts.

use 'tu' (verb form)

Verb 'tutoyer' = to address someone using 'tu'. Conjugated: je tutoie, il tutoie, nous tutoyons. The act of switching from 'vous' to 'tu'.

QST

Quebec Sales Tax — 9.975%.

Université du Québec network

Public university network of 10 institutions across Quebec — UQAM, UQAC, UQTR, UQO, etc.

Emergency room

The ER at a hospital — also the universal phone number 911.

French original version (V.O.F.)

V.O.F. — versions filmed originally in French. Often higher-quality French audio than dubbed versions. The label appears on Tou.tv and the cinema listings.

VIA Rail Canada

Canada's national passenger rail operator; serves Drummondville along the Québec–Windsor corridor.

Victims of domestic violence

People who have suffered violence from a partner or spouse.

registration sticker

The small sticker with the registration date affixed to the plate. Police can read it from a distance to check if your registration is current.

Student city

A city with a large student population, where universities shape daily life.

Formal 'vous' address

Using 'vous' instead of 'tu' to show respect — standard in interviews.

there is (spoken contraction)

Spoken contraction of 'il y a'. The 'il' disappears entirely. 'Y'a personne' = there's nobody. Universal.

Zone A (Montreal agglomeration)

The transit zone covering the entire Montreal agglomeration.

Fare zones

Geographic regions used to set transit fare prices — Zone A is Montreal, Zone B includes Brossard.