Ensure your compliance with Quebec’s Bill 96 before 1 June, 2025
The clock is ticking. With the final requirements of Quebec’s Bill 96 coming into force on 1 June, businesses operating in Quebec must act now to ensure full compliance.
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Law 14, still popularly known as Bill 96, ‘An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec’, was adopted in 2022. From product packaging to internal communications, Bill 96 affects every aspect of business operations.
Whether you’re an international business new to the region or a Quebec-based company navigating the new rules, we’re here to guide you through the process efficiently and effectively.
Did you know?
- 74.8% of the population in Quebec speaks French as their mother tongue, vs only 7.6% English.
- Canada’s legislation on the French language dates back to 1969, with the Official Languages Act. The act made English and French the official languages of Canada.
- In 1974, Quebec adopted its first language law, making French its official language.
- In 1977, Quebec adopted the Charter of the French Language to strengthen French in the province.
Do the new rules affect me?
If your business has operations, employees or customers in Quebec, the answer is likely yes.
From 1 June, 2025, you’ll need to register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and follow certain steps to receive and maintain a francization certificate.
From 1 June, if your trademarks are not registered in Canada under the Trademarks Act, they will need to be translated into French. Plus, any generic or descriptive elements of your trademarks – even duly registered trademarks – must appear in French on the product and packaging.
From 1 June, any non-French trademark or company name on publicly visible signage must be accompanied by markedly predominant French wording. This could be a slogan or a description of your business or products.
Understanding your specific obligations under Bill 96 can be complex – and that’s where we come in. We provide a full suite of services tailored to your needs.
Demystifying Quebec’s language laws
Quebec’s language laws are complex, and vary depending on the size of your business. Working out which ones apply to you can be a headache.
Our cheat sheet helps you understand your obligations at a glance. Download it now and always have an easy overview on hand.
Requirements already in force
If you’re about to start operating in Quebec, you’ll need to comply with several rules already in force under Bill 96 and the Charter of the French language, such as:
- French must be present on product packaging, labelling and any accompanying documents.
- If you have employees in Quebec, internal communications must be available in French.
- French must be the predominant language on all public signage.
- All contracts and legal documents must be in French.
- All marketing materials and external communications must be localized for Francophone consumers.
- Customer service must be available in French.
Failing to meet these requirements can lead to penalties, including fines from the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). Ensuring compliance from day one is not only a legal necessity but a best practice for building positive relationships in the market.
Prepare now to avoid costly missteps. We’re here to help you meet your obligations with confidence.
How RWS can help
Evaluation of internal and external assets
We can review your internal documentation, contracts, product packaging, website and external-facing materials to identify gaps and risks. We’ll help you ensure you’re fully prepared for in-store or documentation inspections.
Translation services
We provide high-quality Canadian French translations for all your needs – from contracts and HR materials to marketing and website content. We assess existing materials for quality, ensuring accurate translations that meet legal and cultural standards.
Building an internal translation team
If you prefer to build your own in-house capacity, we can help you create and train a translation team tailored to your needs. With our tools and expertise, we’ll ensure your team is ready to deliver consistent, high-quality materials in French.
Setting up a francization committee
If your business has 100 or more employees in Quebec, a francization committee is mandatory. We simplify the process, providing guidance on creating the committee, designing structures for reporting, and building effective workflows that meet OQLF requirements.
OQLF registration and certification
Navigating the OQLF’s registration and certification processes can be overwhelming. We support you every step of the way, from the initial linguistic situation analysis to the full francization program. We provide expert guidance to ensure compliance and long-term success.
Why RWS?
Translations you can trust
Bill 96 compliance hinges on quality. Low-quality translations can lead to costly legal issues and delays. Our experienced translators combine their native Canadian French linguistic knowledge with subject-matter expertise to deliver precise, professional translations.
Support every step of the way
From evaluating your current materials to building processes and teams, our comprehensive support goes beyond translation. Whether you need templates, terminology management or consulting, RWS is your one-stop solution.
Decades of local experience
We’ve been supporting businesses in the Canadian market for over 40 years. With regional headquarters in Montreal, we have the local know-how to guide you through compliance with Bill 96.
Don’t wait – secure your compliance today
1 June is fast approaching – don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us now to ensure your materials, processes and teams are ready for Bill 96 compliance.