The Charest government is trying to encourage more immigrant small business owners to use French in the workplace.

Certain media reports about dépanneurs and immigrant owners prompted the Quebec association representing these small businesses to take action, said Kathleen Weil, Minister for Immigration and Cultural Communities,

"The interviewer sort of had a tendency to generalize the lack of proficiency and services in French," Weil said. "So, (the president of the association) thought it was his obligation to respond to the needs of his members."

Those members will now be offered free French courses as part of a pilot project.

Areas targetted include Côte des Neiges, the borough of St. Laurent and Chinatown.

Weil says they already reach out to non-members with French courses offered online, in schools and through community groups.