The Act respecting the official and common language of Québec (known as Bill 96) came into effect in 2022. It seeks to modernize and strengthen several provisions of the Charter. New measures were later added and came into effect on June 1st, 2025. They include:

• Francization for companies with 25 to 49 employees: These companies must now register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and initiate a “francization” process. This includes an assessment of the companies’ language practices, the elaboration of a “francization” program, and obtaining a francization certificate. Previously, this measure only applied to companies with 50 or more employees. For more, click here (in French only).
• Public signs: French must be the predominant language for any exterior signage. This applies to company names and trademarks that include elements in another language. For more, click here (in French only).
• Trademarks on products: If a registered trademark includes a description in another language, the information must also appear in French on the product on a permanently joint add-on. For more, click here (in French only).

Want to know more about the current regulations and how they apply to your business?

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Is my company obligated to communicate with its customers outside of Québec in French?

No. The Charter of the French Language does not require communications with an international clientele to be carried out in French. Businesses may also address their Québec customers in the language of their choice, as long as the content is always available in French.

If my company has an office in Québec, should its website and social media contents be in French only?

No. The content must be available in French but can also be offered in other languages. Commercial content intended for the Québec public, including product information and purchasing conditions, must be accessible in French.

Can a company hire someone who is not able to perform their job in French?

Yes. The company must then support the employee in developing sufficient proficiency in French. This can be done, for instance, by offering language courses. Since 2022, Francisation Québec guarantees access to francization services and programs.

My company operates in multiple countries using the same software and documents everywhere. How can it comply with the Charter in Québec?

Work tools must be in French in Québec. However, interfaces, labels, and instructions can be bilingual. If a software is not available in French, its use in another language is permitted.

Can the Office impose a fine on a company?

No. Only the courts can issue fines. Québec’s approach prioritizes supporting businesses over penalties, and legal action is rare. More than two-thirds of companies quickly obtain their certification without a specific program. Thousands of companies have benefited from the support of the Office to obtain their French language compliance certificate.

Can the Office conduct a search in a company?

No. The Office québécois de la langue française does not conduct searches or seizures under any circumstances.

To find out more, check out the OQLF’ website. You’ll find ressources to support companies in their francization process.