Reform of the Charter of the French Language: Changes effective as of June 1

Passed in 2022, the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (Bill 14) makes several amendments to the Charter of the French Language (also known as Bill 101, or the Charter) and provides for significant changes for businesses operating in Quebec. These changes affect, among other things, the language of work, commerce, and business, including certain contracts and public signs and posters.

As we pointed out in a legal update when the reform was adopted, the amendments to the Charter have been implemented gradually, with the final phase coming into force on June 1, 2025.

The new obligations that came into effect on that date include a reduced number of employees triggering the requirement for enterprises to register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and new rules regarding packaging, public signs and posters, and commercial advertising.

Francization program and certificate – businesses employing 25 workers and more

Since June 1, 2025, all businesses who employ 25 workers or more for a period of six months are subject to new French language requirements. This change extends the scope of the French language provisions, which previously applied to businesses with 50 workers or more. The businesses concerned must, in particular:

• register with the OQLF no later than six months after the end of the aforementioned period;
• analyze the linguistic situation within their business (work tools, internal communications, documentation related to working conditions, job offers, and employment contracts) within three months of receiving a certificate of registration from the OQLF; 
• if, after reviewing the linguistic situation, the OQLF concludes the use of French is not generalized at all levels of the organization, implement a francization program, subject to approval by the OQLF, and provide an annual report on its implementation; 
• conversely, if the OQLF determines the use of French is already generalized, it will issue a francization certificate. The business must then provide a report to the OQLF every three years on progress made in terms of francization. 

In assessing a business’s linguistic situation, the OQLF will take into account, among other things, whether the business's senior and other executive officers have a “good knowledge” of French. 

It should be noted that a business employing 25 or more people which does not comply with its francization obligations (e.g., absence of certificate of registration, linguistic situation analysis, proof of program implementation, or francization certificate) will be unable to enter into contracts with the civil administration¹ or receive subsidies² from it.

Reminder – Enhanced protection of employees' language rights

As a reminder, Bill 14 also expands the powers of the OQLF, particularly for investigations, inspections, and access to electronic data on company premises. In the event of non-compliance, the OQLF may issue orders, which may result in fines of up to $30,000 for a first offense.³ In addition, the OQLF may apply to the Superior Court for injunctions to enforce the Charter. Finally, complaints relating to employees' language rights (retaliation, discrimination, harassment) are now handled by the CNESST. 

The language of commerce and business – new rules as of June 1, 2025

Bill 14 also provides for new rules on packaging, labeling, and commercial advertising, which entered into force on June 1, 2025. The Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business (the Amended Regulation), introduced in June 2024, clarifies the scope of these new rules. The final version of the Amended Regulation contains certain changes from the draft Regulation we discussed in a previous legal update.

Inscriptions on products

General rule since June 1, 2025

A registered or recognized trademark may be drawn up on a product in a language other than French if no corresponding French version appears in the trademark register.⁴

Clarifications provided by the Amended Regulation

If the trademark includes a generic term or a description of the product, excluding the name of the enterprise or name of the product as sold,⁵ it must appear in French on the product or on a medium permanently attached to the product.⁶

Transitional measure

Non-compliant products⁷ manufactured before June 1, 2025, may continue to be sold until June 1, 2027.⁸

Public signs and posters and commercial advertising 

General rule since June 1, 2025

In principle, public signs and posters and commercial advertising must be in French. They may also be in both French and another language, provided French is markedly predominant. 

A registered or recognized trademark may appear in public signs and posters and commercial advertising in a language other than French if no corresponding French version of the trademark appears in the register.⁹

On all public signs and posters visible from outside premises, any use of a business name or trademark must be accompanied by terms ensuring French is markedly predominant in the same visual field.¹⁰ The size of the trademark in a language other than French will also be taken into consideration in assessing whether French is markedly predominant.

The French language must be markedly predominant on public signs and posters visible from outside premises if they bear the business’s name that includes an expression from a language other than French.¹¹

Clarifications provided by the Amended Regulation

French will be “markedly predominant” when its visual impact is much greater than that of another language.¹² This visual impact is achieved when:

• the space allotted to the French text is at least twice as large as the space allotted to the text in another language;
• it is also permanently legible and visible;¹³
• in the case of dynamic signage, it is visible at least twice as long.¹⁴

To comply with this requirement, public signs and posters must also be accompanied by terms in French (a generic term, a description, or a slogan).¹⁵ However, certain data such as opening hours, telephone numbers, or addresses are not covered by these rules.¹⁶

Conclusion

It is crucial for businesses established in Quebec to ensure they fully comply with the requirements of Bill 14 and implement the necessary measures to ensure the generalized use of French within their organization. 

In addition, the regulation of the use of trademarks in languages other than French and compliance with specific visual criteria for bilingual signs and posters requires a proactive review of current business practices to ensure compliance as of June 1, 2025.

Our team is available to assist you throughout this process and provide you with the support you need to comply with these new legal requirements.