Important Changes to Language Requirements Coming into Effect on June 1

As of June 1, 2025, new obligations under the Charter of the French Language (Bill 96) will come into effect for all businesses operating in Quebec. These include stricter rules for:

• Product labelling: Generic and descriptive terms in trademarks must now appear in French on the product or a permanently attached support
• Public signage: When a trademark or business name in another language is used, French must appear with much greater visual impact—twice the space, equally visible and readable
• Francization requirements: Companies with 25 to 49 employees must now register with the OQLF and begin compliance processes.

RCC continues to advocate for greater flexibility to protect operational continuity under the new obligations stemming from Bill 96, especially in sectors that rely heavily on specialized imported goods. In addition to ongoing discussions with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and government officials, the CCCD team is planning public interventions, alongside other economic stakeholders, to raise awareness about the business impacts and the need for pragmatic adjustments.