New Language Obligations for Businesses - June 1, 2025

As of June 1, 2025, businesses in Quebec will need to comply with new obligations stemming from the Charter of the French Language. These measures aim to strengthen the presence of French in the professional sphere and ensure its use as the common language of work, communication, and commercial transactions.

With these changes, businesses will have to adjust their practices to avoid sanctions and ensure compliance with the new requirements. This article details what businesses need to know, what steps must be taken to comply with these new rules, and a summary of the necessary actions.

Summary of Legislative Changes

The Quebec government has introduced several modifications to the Charter of the French Language to ensure greater use of French in business. Here are the key points to remember:

  • Businesses with 25 or more employees must now demonstrate that French is widely used in their internal and external communications.
  • Trademarks displayed in a foreign language must be accompanied by a French descriptor that is visible and equally prominent.
  • Adhesion contracts must be written in French by default, unless the client expressly requests a version in another language.
  • Packaging and product notices must ensure a clear and predominant presence of French.

How to Comply

Businesses must take several steps to adhere to the new rules. Here are the detailed actions required:

  1. Francization for Businesses with 25 or More Employees

Affected businesses must:

  • Register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) to obtain a language compliance certificate.
  • Complete the linguistic analysis form to be submitted to the OQLF.
  • Implement a French language program, including training for employees if necessary.
  • Complete the three-year report three years after the analysis.
  1. Adjusting Signage and Trademarks

Businesses must modify their signage according to the new regulations:

  • Mandatory addition of a French descriptor for all trademarks displayed in a foreign language.
  • Priority given to French in signage and visual advertisements to prevent linguistic imbalance.
  1. Revising Contracts and Commercial Documents

Businesses will need to:

  • Draft all adhesion contracts in French as the primary version.
  • Provide a translation only if the client expressly requests it.
  • Ensure that commercial communications are primarily in French, including general terms of sale and user manuals.
  1. Compliance with Packaging and Product Labeling

For businesses selling products:

  • Translate or accompany trademarks in a foreign language with a French version.
  • Ensure that instructions and information are clearly visible in French.
  • Respect the requirement of French predominance on packaging and product-related advertisements.

Summary

To comply with the new obligations starting June 1, 2025, businesses must:

  1. Register with the OQLF if they have 25 or more employees.
  2. Conduct a linguistic analysis and implement a francization program if necessary.
  3. Adapt signage and trademarks to ensure an equivalent presence of French.
  4. Update contracts and commercial documents in accordance with new requirements.
  5. Revise product labeling to guarantee a clear presence of French on packaging.

Conclusion

These new measures reinforce the protection and visibility of French in Quebec’s business environment. Businesses must quickly adapt to ensure compliance and avoid potential sanctions. The OQLF will conduct random audits of certain businesses to ensure compliance.

Feel free to contact our team for guidance in navigating this new process.