Bill 96 compliance clock is ticking: Is your business ready for Quebec's language law?
4 mins
With just over two months remaining until the final provisions of Quebec's Bill 96 come into force, businesses operating in Quebec face urgent compliance requirements. This landmark legislation significantly strengthens French language requirements across all business operations, and the clock is ticking toward the 1 June 2025 deadline.
For many organizations, the intricacies of Bill 96 can feel daunting. But ignoring its implications is not an option. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, reputational damage, and a severed connection with Quebec’s French-speaking consumers. This isn’t just about translation; it's about cultural resonance, legal compliance, and demonstrating a genuine respect for the French language and Quebecois identity.
Understanding Bill 96
Bill 96, officially titled An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, represents Quebec's most significant language reform in decades. Passed in 2022, the law reinforces French as the province's official language and expands requirements for its use in business, government and daily life.
For businesses, the implications are far-reaching. From product packaging and marketing materials to internal communications and customer service, Bill 96 mandates French prominence across virtually all business activities in Quebec.
Beyond words: why language matters
Language in Quebec isn't merely a communication tool – it's a cornerstone of cultural identity. With over 74% of Quebec's population speaking French as their mother tongue, language protection has been a legislative priority for decades.
The province's first major language law, the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101), was enacted in 1977. Bill 96 builds upon this foundation, introducing stricter requirements and enforcement mechanisms to ensure French remains the predominant language of business and public life.
The clock is ticking: key requirements for businesses
Bill 96 isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a mandate. It strengthens the position of French as the official language of Quebec, impacting everything from employment practices and public signage to consumer contracts and digital content.
This mandate affects organizations of all sizes, though requirements vary based on employee count and business activities. Here are the critical obligations businesses must understand:
For companies with 25-49 employees, registration with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) is mandatory. From 1 June, these companies will also need to obtain and maintain a francization certificate that demonstrate compliance with French language standards.
From June 2025, non-French trademarks must include French translations unless they're registered under Canada's Trademarks Act. Even registered trademarks must incorporate French for any generic or descriptive elements.
Public signage featuring non-French company names must include "markedly predominant" French text. This means French wording must be twice as large as non-French text and given greater visual prominence.
Contracts, product packaging, marketing materials and customer communications must all be available in French. In many cases, the French version must be provided before other language versions.
With expanded scope, increased enforcement, digital demands and contractual obligations – the clock is ticking. Businesses need to act now to ensure their operations align with the new regulations. Delays can lead to costly remediation, legal challenges, and a loss of trust among Quebecois customers.
How RWS can help: preparing for the June deadline
Navigating Bill 96's complex requirements demands expertise in both language services and Quebec's regulatory landscape. RWS offers specialised support to help businesses achieve and maintain compliance.
- Evaluation of assets: We review internal documents, contracts, packaging, websites, and marketing materials to identify gaps and risks. Our experts ensure your assets are ready for inspections by the OQLF.
- High-quality translations: Our Canadian French translators deliver accurate translations for contracts, HR materials, marketing content, and more. We ensure all translations meet legal standards while maintaining cultural relevance.
- Building internal capacity: For businesses looking to create their own translation teams, we provide training and tools to deliver consistent high-quality outputs aligned with Bill 96 requirements.
- Setting up francization committees: Companies with over 100 employees in Quebec need francization committees. We guide you through establishing these teams, designing workflows and meeting reporting requirements.
- OQLF registration: Navigating certification processes can be overwhelming. Our experts assist with linguistic analyses, francization programs, and long-term compliance strategies.
Bill 96 compliance depends on precision, and trusted translations are at the heart of this process. Poor-quality translations can lead to delays or even legal issues, which is why RWS prioritizes accuracy and cultural nuance. Our native-speaking linguists ensure every translation meets rigorous standards, helping businesses meet their obligations without compromising on quality.
But our support goes far beyond translation. From evaluating materials to creating workflows and teams tailored for compliance, RWS provides comprehensive solutions for businesses operating in Quebec.
With regional headquarters in Montreal and over 40 years of experience supporting Canadian markets, RWS brings unmatched local expertise to the table. We understand Quebec's unique regulatory landscape and cultural nuances, positioning us as a trusted partner for businesses looking to thrive in this dynamic market.
Amanda Alvarado
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