In an effort to further safeguard and fortify the French language in Québec, the Québec government introduced Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, on May 13, 2021. This Bill proposes major amendments to Québec’s Charter of the French Language.
This would be particularly pertinent to brand owners, and other stakeholders, whose organisational operations may potentially be impacted by these changes. The implications drawn from these proposed amendments should be considered by law practitioners and advised to their clients for their business planning.
Main areas of modification in the Bill include but are not limited to:
- Policies on language of instruction
- Use of French in business and in the workplace
- Government services and communications
It is vital for companies in the region to appraise the possible implications of these changes on their business operations. More detailed information about Bill 96 can be found in the publication by Cozen O’Connor, accessible via a
JDSupra report.
In anticipation of these updates, organizations operating in Québec should be proactively analyzing their language policies and practices, as well as seeking up-to-date legal advice. Keeping abreast of developments and implications that these amendments could bear on their businesses is paramount in this constantly shifting legal landscape.