An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (Bill 96) has been adopted on May 24, 2022 and sanctioned on June 1, 2022. In addition to carrying out a major reform of the Charter of the French Language, commonly known as Bill 101, this Act also amends the Constitution Act, 1867, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Civil Code of Québec.
The assent of this Act redefines the rules governing the use of the French language within organizations operating in Quebec. It also brings significant changes to business practices and obligations of organizations in many areas: labour, public posting, marketing and advertising, contracts and security, to name a few.
To give you a clearer picture of the situation, the Fasken team has put together a number of resources explaining the key elements of the reform. These resources will help you understand the forthcoming changes, their consequences and the sanctions you may face if you fail to comply with your obligations.
You won’t want to miss any of our upcoming newsletters and other relevant information on this topic. Subscribe now to our distribution list to receive all communications related to the new Act.
Event
• Bill 96
Are you ready for June 1, 2025? Learn how Bill 96 will impact your trademarks.
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Resources
• Guide | Bill 96 | Important Upcoming Changes to French Language Requirements for Public Signage
Starting on June 1, 2025, any non-French trademark used in public signage visible from outside business premises located in Quebec will need to be accompanied by French text that is “markedly predominant” and in the “same visual field”.
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• Annotated draft Regulation responding the language of commerce and business | June 2024 update
Discover the changes to the Regulation.
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• Case Law Watch | Legal Challenges Against Bill 96 | July 2022
Read our summary and download the proceedings challenging Bill 96 that have been filed so far.
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• FAQ | Reform of the Charter of the French Language: our team answers your questions | May 2022
To help you understand and anticipate the changes to come, our team has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) offering you practical answers to the most frequently asked questions about Bill 96.
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• Guide | French is at the Heart of Your Business | Business Impacts and Legal Solutions | May 2022
The Fasken team has created a five-point document that will enable you to easily adapt your business practices and understand the consequences and sanctions you face if you fail to comply with your obligations.
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• Annotated Charter | Charter of the French Language | June 2021
Discover the the amended sections of the Charter of the French Language.
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Bulletins
• Charter of the French Language: New Draft Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business | January 2024
On January 10, 2024, the Government of Québec published the draft Regulation to amend mainly the Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business [available only in French] (“Draft Regulation”) in the Gazette officielle du Québec.
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• Compliance Alert: Time to File Trademark Applications in Order to Comply with Charter of the French Language | November 2023
Bill 96 amendments to Quebec's Charter of the French Language, requiring translation of trademarks not registered with CIPO.
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• The repercussions of Bill 96 on Legal Disputes and Public Administration | June 2022
This bulletin covers the repercussions of Bill 96 on Legal Disputes and Public Administration
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• Bill 96 and Trademarks: Public Signage and Commercial Advertising | June 2022
This bulletin covers the effects of Bill 96 specific to public signage and commercial advertising and how best to comply with these new provisions.
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• Bill 96 and Trademarks: Product Packaging and Labelling | May 2022
This bulletin covers the effects of Bill 96 as they relate to product packaging and labelling and how best to comply with these new provisions.
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• Trademarks and Language: The Potential Impacts Of Bill 96 | June 2021
Bill 96 may constrain the rights of trademark owners when it comes to public signage and advertising.
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• Imminent Reform of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) | June 2021
The repercussions of the forthcoming reinforcement of the rules governing the use of the French language in Quebec as part of Bill 96.
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Media
• Media Coverage | La Presse quotes Jean-Philippe Mikus in an article on Bill 96
“Votre PME est-elle prête pour le 1er juin ?” by Émilie Laperrière, La Presse
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