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 retailers more time to make the changes and comply with the law – was not met.

Instead of the 3 years originally promised, businesses will have just 11 months to comply, i.e. by June 1, 2025. Signage requirements (French must be twice as important) if the business name is in a language other than French. We insisted on pointing out that signage rules are subject to municipal rules as well as those of building owners. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) reiterates that it will be tolerant in its application, provided that discussions are opened with them quickly.

The section dealing with the francization of instruction buttons on any product, such as “on/off; play; broil”, for example, has been withdrawn and is likely to be postponed until the Fall.

RCC maintains that the government could have made these changes in collaboration with Quebec industry and business. Such collaboration would have protected the place of French, while minimizing the impact on Quebecers.

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