souvy: Thanks for your inputs. Gatineau might be inclined towards francophones more? i'm just wondering...

And although it would be easy for me if English is the operating language, I'm certainly not expecting it. Infact, I'm brushing up on my French and have asked the husband to start learning French. MY only concern, as I've already mentioned, is the tension and office politics between francophone and everyone else. To me it occured that many people have trouble in their careers because of these tensions and that's what got me to really worry.

You guys have definitely put my fears to rest. I'm excited about Montreal now .

Give it a try, it's a great city to see/visit.

Start by renting and if it doesn't work you can always move elsewhere

Office 'tensions' can exist in offices where everyone speaks the same language. I'd say it's more down to personalities than language. If you're an easy going, adaptable sort that doesn't have an axe to grind and are willing to 'learn' the way of the locals, I'm sure you'll be fine.


But don't quote me on that....! ;-)

Gatineau would tend slightly towards francophones. It's the 4th largest city in Quebec.

Jean Chretien didn't have much trouble with his career and he was incoherent in both official languages.

In the offices I have worked, i have never had any tension over language. When i have worked with french speakers, they have usually asked me to help them improve their English.

As has been said, tension is usually down to personality and sometimes due to the culture of the organisation and can be found anywhere. it is my belief that most employers will be fine.

But obviously if you work in a company on the east side you are more likely to find these types of issues, I usually worked downtown and to the West of Montreal and never had any issues.