The French language is an integral part of Quebecers’ identity and contributes to the charm of La Belle Province. As a welcoming language in businesses, it is the soul and personality of Montreal and Quebec. RCC works closely with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) in order to inform and equip merchants to comply with the provisions of the Charter of the French Language in-store and online.
Articles
- French Language Regulation
The final regulation on the language of commerce and business, amending the Charter of the French Language, was published this morning in the Gazette officielle du Québec. This regulation stems from Bill 96, adopted in 2022. Despite retailers’ support for the French language, RCC is disappointed that one of its key demands – to allow … Continued - French language: let’s work to ensure that the new rules reinforce rather than limit
We represent thousands of businesses, manufacturers, creators of wealth who meet the essential needs of Quebec population on a daily basis. In the face of challenges such as labor shortages, strained supply chains, rising operational costs, continuous innovations, and evolving needs, we are committed to maintaining high quality across all of our operations. We also … Continued - RCC Urges Re-evaluation of Proposed French Language Regulations
In a recent interview with the Montreal Gazette, Michel Rochette, President of RCC Québec, voiced concerns regarding upcoming regulations on French language in the workplace. While acknowledging the importance of preserving French in Québec and in the retail sector, Rochette questioned the necessity of certain measures, asking if they sometimes “go too far.” He emphasized … Continued
Resources
- Charter of the French language
- Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business
- Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (in French)
- Modernization of the Charter of the French language
- Draft Regulation to amend mainly the Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business (in French)
- RCC’s submission on the draft Regulation (in French)
- MÉMO – Businesses with less than 50 employees in Québec (in French)
- MÉMO – Le français, en six thèmes gagnants pour votre entreprise (in French)
Guides in French - Guide – les obligations des entreprises relatives à la Charte (PDF)
- Démarche de francisation – Entreprises de 50 personnes ou plus au Québec (PDF)
- Guide – les obligations des entreprises relativement aux produits offerts au Québec (PDF)
- Guide – les médias sociaux et la Charte de la langue française (PDF)
- Un virage numérique profitable en français (PDF)
Business profiles
- French language: let’s work to ensure that the new rules reinforce rather than limitWe represent thousands of businesses, manufacturers, creators of wealth who meet the essential needs of Quebec population on a daily basis. In the face of challenges such as labor shortages, strained supply chains, rising operational costs, continuous innovations, and evolving needs, we are committed to maintaining high quality across all of our operations. We also … Continued
- MEC, winner of a Molière Award for its exemplary adaptation to Quebec’s Francophone context– Company Portrait: Mountain Equipment Company – Community building is an integral part of the organizational culture of Mountain Equipment Company (MEC). This explains why the company attaches so much importance to the use and promotion of the French language. Indeed, the company spares no effort to achieve the highest linguistic standards, particularly in its internal … Continued
- IRIS, winner of a Molière Award for its exemplary use of French in its communications– Company Portrait: Lunetterie IRIS – Rooted in Quebec culture and society, the use of the French language is a kind of second nature for IRIS. All communications, internal and external, with employees, customers and the public are conducted in French, reflecting the company’s roots in Quebec society. IRIS strives to create a comfortable and welcoming … Continued
Videos
Importance of the quality of French on the economic health of businesses (online content)
Importance of the quality of French on the economic health of companies (social networks)
Molière Retail Awards
Each year, in conjunction with the presentation of Leger’s annual WOW studies (In-store and Digital), RCC and the Office québécois de la langue française, presents the Molière Retail Awards. This distinction recognizes the excellent use of French by merchants operating in Québec.
The 2024 winners:
- Non-Quebec company that has best adapted to Quebec’s Francophone context in all its activities and communications: Lindt (Other finalists : Moores, GUY)
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the customer service offered by its employees online: Leon’s Furniture (Other finalists : Familiprix, Videotron)
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the information or documentation available online: SQDC (Other finalists : Yves Rocher, SAQ)
- Company that made special efforts to improve the quality of French in its services and daily online communications: Shop Santé (Other finalists : Popeye’s Suppléments, Nespresso)
- Businesses whose use of the French language is predominant and of high quality in its stores (language of service, quality of written and spoken French, language of signage, language in the workplace, etc.): SAQ (Other finalists : Doyle Optométristes et Opticiens, Brunet)
The 2023 winners:
- Non-Quebec company that has best adapted to Quebec’s Francophone context in all its activities and communications: MEC
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the customer service offered by its employees online: Tanguay
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the information or documentation available online: IRIS
The Molière Awards were not awarded in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 winners:
- Non-Quebec company that has best adapted to Quebec’s Francophone context in all its activities and communications: TELUS
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the customer service offered by its employees online: La Maison Simons
- Company that embodies excellence in the use of the French language in the information or documentation available online: Ameublements Tanguay
The 2019 winners:
- Most successful company in establishing its linguistic implementation in Quebec: Canadian Tire
- Company offering the best service in French in store: Canadian Tire
- Company offering the best service in French online: Archambault