Doing business in Quebec? Here is a quick update.
On October 9, the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) reported increased enforcement of French language requirements across the province over the past year. Most actions were triggered by complaints from customers and employees.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, more than 10,000 complaints were filed regarding businesses not following French language laws. Most were related to missing French on signage, websites, or customer service. 9,813 inspections were also carried out, with corrective steps taken where needed.
The law officially took effect on June 1, 2025. To help you navigate these requirements, we’ve pulled together the key takeaways from the latest guidance published by the office, with practical tips you can act on.
Signage, Packaging, and Trademarks
If you are doing business in Quebec, French must be the most prominent language on all physical displays, packaging, and public signage, where French should take up at least twice the space of any other language.
While Canada also requires bilingual packaging, Quebec’s language regulations when it comes to packaging and labels go further. Descriptive elements such as ingredients, scent, and colour must also be in French.
What about trademarks? Registered trademarks in another language may be used without translation only if no French version exists or is in use. If a French version is registered or used anywhere, that version must appear.
Websites
If your business operates in Quebec, your website must be fully available in French. This means offering a complete French version that matches the English content, not just a landing page or partial translation.
The French version must be easy to find and navigate, and it must also be of good quality. Using AI-generated widgets can be risky, so we strongly advise having human translators involved to ensure accuracy and prevent complaints.
If your site is in WordPress, installing the WPML plugin will make the translation process much easier, faster, and will provide you with peace of mind.
Customer Service
Whether online, in person, or over the phone, your Quebec business must be able to serve customers in French. This includes providing written documents, contracts, receipts, and verbal communication in French, when requested.
Having one French-speaking employee may not be enough. Make sure there is always someone available to respond to customers in Quebec’s official language.
Who must comply with Bill 96?
Your obligations depend on the number of employees you have in the province:
- 1 to 24 employees: You are still subject to complaints and inspections, but registration with the OQLF is not mandatory.
- 25 to 49 employees: You must register with the OQLF. You will be asked to track and report your efforts toward compliance.
- 50 or more employees: You must undergo a formal francization process, which includes submitting documentation, undergoing assessments, and achieving OQLF approval.
Recruitment and Job Postings
When hiring or promoting a job posting, employers cannot require knowledge of a language other than French unless it is necessary for the job. If another language is required, employers must be able to demonstrate:
- that the specific duties genuinely require it.
- that existing staff cannot perform these tasks in French.
- that the number of positions requiring another language has been minimized.
Internal Communications and HR Materials
Employment contracts, training manuals, internal announcements, and workplace policies must be available in French. This also includes materials from third-party suppliers if they are used internally, such as employee handbooks or benefits documents.
All employment-related communications must be provided in French first. The second-language version can only be shared or signed if the employee agrees.
Need Help?
Translation goes beyond legal requirements. It’s also a way to connect with your customers. Quebec is one of North America’s most unique and engaged markets, representing over 9 million consumers. Meeting Quebec’s language requirements is well worth the effort.
At LAT, we support businesses with language compliance, packaging reviews, website localization, and more. Whether you need a quick consult or a full francization plan, we’re here to help.
Have questions about Bill 96? Contact us today.
