The adoption of An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec 1 (hereinafter the “Act”) on June 1st, 2022, which seeks to reinforce the status of the French language in Québec in all spheres, entails the modification of numerous provisions of the Charter of the French language 2 (hereinafter the “Charter”).
As of June 1st, 2025, Quebec companies with between 25 and 49 employees over a six-month period will be subject to the obligations of art. 139 of the Charter 3. This article provides that these companies must register with the Quebec Office of the French Language 4 (hereinafter the “Office”). This registration enables them to obtain a francization certificate, in line with the Office’s objective of ensuring that French is the normal and usual language of work, communications, commerce and business in companies.
To ensure compliance with these provisions, the Office receives all complaints concerning breaches of the Charter 5 . For this same purpose, the Office also has the power to carry out inspections and investigations 6. It will therefore be crucial for the companies concerned to take the necessary steps to avoid any fines or other sanctions that may be imposed.
To this end, companies must first register with the Office using the form available on its website. Once registered, they will be given three (3) months to carry out a self-assessment of their company’s linguistic situation, the form for which is also available on the Office’s website. This self-assessment will enable the company to take a look at the current state of French language use and identify any necessary improvements. The Office, in turn, carries out an assessment to determine whether the use of French is generalized at all levels of the company. If the use of French is considered generalized, the Office may issue a francization certificate. If not, the company will be informed that a francization program must be put in place. This program includes language training, adjustments to internal and external communications, and sometimes personalized support to facilitate the integration of French into all aspects of the business.
Ultimately, the companies concerned will have to take these steps before June 1st, 2025.
1 An Act respecting the official and common language of Quebec, French, LQ 2022, c. 14.
2 Charter of the French Language, RLRQ, c. C-11.
3 Act respecting the official and common language of Quebec, French, LQ 2022, c. 14 , s. 83.
4 French Language CharterRLRQ, c. C-11, s. 139.
5 French Language CharterRLRQ, c. C-11, s. 161.15.
6 French Language CharterRLRQ, c. C-11, s. 166.
By: Me Audrey Robitaille and student Louisa Kouretas
