* History: Montreal was founded in 1642 by French colonists, and it remained under French control until 1760, when it was ceded to the British. However, the French language and culture continued to thrive in Montreal, even after the British conquest.
* Immigration: Montreal has a long history of immigration from French-speaking countries, including France, Belgium, and Switzerland. This immigration has helped to maintain the city's French-speaking population.
* Government policy: The Quebec government has a number of policies in place to promote the use of French in Montreal. These policies include the Charter of the French Language, which makes French the official language of Quebec, and the Law on the Use of French in Commerce and Business, which requires businesses in Quebec to use French as their primary language.
As a result of these factors, Montreal is a vibrant French-speaking city with a rich culture and history.