24.11.2025 BUSINESS
Bill 96 in Québec: What It Is, Key Changes, and Business Implications
Bill 96 took effect on June 1, 2025, in Quebec. Learn how the French Language Law affects employers, schools, and government services.
Bill 96, which is officially called "An Act Respecting French, the Official and Common Language of Quebec," is one of the most significant changes to Québec's language laws since Bill 101 was passed in 1977. Enacted on June 1, 2022, the legislation was introduced to further strengthen the status of French as the province’s official and common language.
The importance of Bill 96 lies in its wide-reaching impact. Beginning on June 1, 2025, several new provisions will take effect, creating stricter requirements for how businesses operate in Quebec. These changes affect nearly every area of commerce, ranging from product packaging and advertising to contracts, workplace communications, and customer service. For organizations conducting business in Québec or serving Québec residents, the law carries substantial compliance obligations.
This article provides a clear summary of Bill 96, including its intended purpose, the key changes to the law, and the potential implications for businesses, marketers, and legal or compliance professionals. Organizations can prepare for compliance and lower the risks associated with non-compliance by learning about these requirements now.
We provide certified translations and compliance-focused language services to help your business meet Bill 96 requirements. Contact us for a quote.
The importance of Bill 96 lies in its wide-reaching impact. Beginning on June 1, 2025, several new provisions will take effect, creating stricter requirements for how businesses operate in Quebec. These changes affect nearly every area of commerce, ranging from product packaging and advertising to contracts, workplace communications, and customer service. For organizations conducting business in Québec or serving Québec residents, the law carries substantial compliance obligations.
This article provides a clear summary of Bill 96, including its intended purpose, the key changes to the law, and the potential implications for businesses, marketers, and legal or compliance professionals. Organizations can prepare for compliance and lower the risks associated with non-compliance by learning about these requirements now.
We provide certified translations and compliance-focused language services to help your business meet Bill 96 requirements. Contact us for a quote.
Dates You Need to Know
June 1, 2022 – Bill 96 became law, which started a gradual increase in Quebec's language requirements.
June 1, 2023 – Adhesion contracts must first be provided in French; a non-French version can only follow once the French copy has been reviewed.
July 1, 2024 – Regulatory changes were issued to clarify specific applications of the law, such as standards for labelling, signs, and contractual terms given in a language other than French.
June 1, 2025 – French must be the predominant language on product labels and signage, unregistered trademarks must be displayed in French, and businesses with 25 or more employees must meet francization obligations.
June 1, 2027 – Grace period ends for certain products manufactured before June 1, 2025, provided they meet the regulatory conditions. After this date, all products must comply with updated French-language labelling rules.
June 1, 2023 – Adhesion contracts must first be provided in French; a non-French version can only follow once the French copy has been reviewed.
July 1, 2024 – Regulatory changes were issued to clarify specific applications of the law, such as standards for labelling, signs, and contractual terms given in a language other than French.
June 1, 2025 – French must be the predominant language on product labels and signage, unregistered trademarks must be displayed in French, and businesses with 25 or more employees must meet francization obligations.
June 1, 2027 – Grace period ends for certain products manufactured before June 1, 2025, provided they meet the regulatory conditions. After this date, all products must comply with updated French-language labelling rules.
What Bill 96 Is: Context & Purpose
Québec’s French Language Charter (Bill 101) and Prior Regime
The Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101, was passed in 1977 to make French the official common language of Québec. It established rules for the use of French in government, schools, business, and everyday life. The law had some gaps, but it did a good job of promoting the French as the official language. For example, it did not fully address the increasing presence of English in workplaces, online services, and commercial communications, which allowed non-French content to remain widespread in certain areas.
What is Bill 96 (An Act Respecting French, the Official and Common Language of Quebec)
Bill 96, also known as Law 14, was passed in June 2022 and builds on Bill 101 by strengthening the use of French across the province. It updates the Charter and amends related laws, including consumer protection and civil statutes, using French as the default language in workplaces, contracts, packaging, and public communications. The Bill 96 impact extends beyond daily business practices to constitutional measures, such as the use of the notwithstanding clause (Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms), which gives Québec the authority to enforce its rules even if they conflict with certain Charter protections. Quebec’s Bill 96 aims to close gaps left by the prior regime and ensure French remains central to the province’s public, legal, and business life.
Key Changes & Requirements Under Bill 96 (for Business & Commerce)
Francization & Workplace French Language Requirements
Bill 96 lowers the francization threshold from 50 to businesses with 25 or more employees, which means many more employers are now covered. These businesses must comply with French language requirements of work by ensuring that internal communications, training, work tools, and IT systems are available in French. Employees must be able to communicate in French at all levels of the organization and be informed and served in French in their daily work.
Within the first six months of reaching the employee threshold, businesses must form a francization committee, submit reports to the Quebec Office of the French Language (Office québécois de la langue française, OQLF), and work toward the OQLF’s certification that French is firmly established as the workplace language. The OQLF may also evaluate the level of French used by employees to determine whether the business demonstrates adequate French language proficiency in its operations.
Within the first six months of reaching the employee threshold, businesses must form a francization committee, submit reports to the Quebec Office of the French Language (Office québécois de la langue française, OQLF), and work toward the OQLF’s certification that French is firmly established as the workplace language. The OQLF may also evaluate the level of French used by employees to determine whether the business demonstrates adequate French language proficiency in its operations.
Contracts, Consumer Documents & Adhesion Contracts
The law requires that a French version of contracts of adhesion, standard contracts prepared by one party, be provided first. Since June 1, 2023, businesses cannot simply present a version in another language without first giving access to the French text. Only after the French version has been reviewed may the parties agree to use a bilingual contract or a contract in another language.
Contracts involving Québec’s language laws and public administration must always be in French. In addition, consumer documents such as invoices, receipts, warranties, and user guides must also provide French versions with the same level of accuracy and detail as any English-language or any other-language equivalent. This ensures that French-speaking consumers have the right to be informed in their own language when making purchases or signing agreements.
Contracts involving Québec’s language laws and public administration must always be in French. In addition, consumer documents such as invoices, receipts, warranties, and user guides must also provide French versions with the same level of accuracy and detail as any English-language or any other-language equivalent. This ensures that French-speaking consumers have the right to be informed in their own language when making purchases or signing agreements.
Commercial Signage, Advertising & Public Displays
Signs, advertisements, and publications meant for the general public must be exclusively in French or have French that is “markedly predominant” in size and placement. Versions in both languages are acceptable, but French must take visual precedence. Brochures, catalogues, websites and social media posts must all feature French as either the most prominent language or equal to any other language used, reinforcing French as the common language in commerce.
Product Labelling, Packaging & Trademarks
All product packaging, labels, instructions, and manuals must be in French, and the French text must be at least as complete and clear as any other language. This ensures that consumers in Québec always have equal access to product information in the province’s official language.
Bill 96 introduces stricter trademark rules. Generic or descriptive English terms in a trademark must be translated into French, even if the mark is federally registered. This rule applies to all products sold in Québec, including digital and physical goods, and affects how products sold in Québec are presented in the marketplace. Businesses had until June 1, 2025, to comply with the new rules.
Bill 96 introduces stricter trademark rules. Generic or descriptive English terms in a trademark must be translated into French, even if the mark is federally registered. This rule applies to all products sold in Québec, including digital and physical goods, and affects how products sold in Québec are presented in the marketplace. Businesses had until June 1, 2025, to comply with the new rules.
E-commerce, Online Presence & Digital Content
Websites and digital platforms selling products in the Quebec market must include a fully functional French version, with the same content and features as the English-language version. Businesses cannot limit services or make French harder to access. For example, website translation must cover the full scope of digital platforms, including transactional systems, customer portals, and service interfaces.
The law grants the OQLF authority to investigate and issue compliance orders for online services. Enforcement occurs through fines and compliance orders, although the OQLF does not directly block sales of non-compliant goods.
The law grants the OQLF authority to investigate and issue compliance orders for online services. Enforcement occurs through fines and compliance orders, although the OQLF does not directly block sales of non-compliant goods.
Enforcement, Penalties & Compliance Mechanisms
The Office Québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has expanded powers to conduct audits, issue compliance orders, and inspect business operations, including digital systems.
Penalties for non-compliance include substantial fines, which increase for repeat or ongoing violations. Businesses that fail to comply may be subject to criminal penalties, administrative sanctions, or suspension of eligibility for public contracts.
Penalties for non-compliance include substantial fines, which increase for repeat or ongoing violations. Businesses that fail to comply may be subject to criminal penalties, administrative sanctions, or suspension of eligibility for public contracts.
Business Implications & Challenges
Cost, Timing & Operational Burden
Bill 96 imposes new costs and burdens on corporations. Businesses may need to rebrand, repackage goods, translate documents, and change IT systems. Small businesses in Québec often face the greatest strain because they have fewer resources to manage compliance.
Branding, Trademark Strategy & Market Positioning
The law can also affect how companies present themselves in the market. Businesses may need to redesign trademarks or packaging to ensure French comes first. Federally registered trademarks that contain certain generic or descriptive English-language words have to be translated. An early French-first approach may give a positive impression in the market.
Digital & Marketing Implications
French websites and e-commerce sites must have the same features and content as English sites. Customer service representatives must also speak French, with chat, phone, and email systems available equally in French. Marketing teams will need to embed translation into workflows to ensure French is not secondary.
Risk, Non-compliance & Reputation
Noncompliance with Bill 96 is dangerous. Companies can be fined, sued or deprived of government contracts and subsidies. Under the updated penalty structure:
- Individuals can be fined $700 to $7,000 per offence.
- Companies can be fined $3,000 to $30,000 per offence.
- Repeat offences may lead to fines that double for the second violation and triple for subsequent ones.
- Administrative sanctions can also apply, such as suspension of permits or loss of eligibility for government programs.
Steps for Business Compliance & Best Practices
Assessment & Gap Analysis
Businesses should begin with a full review of their operations. This includes checking signage, websites, packaging, contracts, and internal systems to confirm that French versions exist and are equal in quality to English or other languages. A gap analysis helps pinpoint areas where the company is at risk of non-compliance under Bill 96.
Planning & Prioritization
After identifying gaps, companies should create a compliance roadmap. The law includes phased deadlines, so urgent fixes—such as contracts, product labels, and customer-facing websites—should come first. Longer-term adjustments, like IT systems and internal communication tools, can be planned in later stages.
Localization & Translation Strategy
Accurate translation is critical, especially for legal and consumer documents. Using certified translators and legal review helps ensure compliance. Companies should also put systems in place to keep French content updated at the same time as English, supported by technology such as content management platforms or translation memory tools.
Trademark & Branding Strategy
Non-French trademarks may need supporting French text or translation of descriptive elements. Because Bill 96 rules may overlap or conflict with federal trademark law, businesses should consult intellectual property experts before making changes. Proactive planning can reduce the risk of costly rebranding.
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance Governance
Compliance does not end with implementation and applies to businesses of all sizes. Companies should form a francization committee to track reporting and audits, while also supporting employees through French language courses when needed. Some workers cannot receive instruction in English without a certificate of eligibility, making French training essential. In many cases, direct contact with the OQLF may be required, as Québec must ensure ongoing compliance.
Need Support Staying Compliant Under Bill 96 for Small Businesses?
Quebec’s new language rules go far beyond simple translation. To comply, businesses must ensure every contract, product label, and website is translated into French, and workplace communication is accurate, French-first, and fully aligned with legal requirements. From adapting offers of employment or promotion to updating customer-facing materials, every detail matters under the new French language rules. At the Translation Agency of Canada, we don’t just translate—we adapt your materials to reflect both the law and the cultural expectations of French in Quebec.
Contact us today for tailored, compliance-focused language services that keep your business aligned with Bill 96—and get ready to succeed in the Quebec’s market.
Contact us today for tailored, compliance-focused language services that keep your business aligned with Bill 96—and get ready to succeed in the Quebec’s market.
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