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
• Webcast Bill 96
Reform of the Charter of the French Language: consequences for companies doing business in Quebec.
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• Webcast recording Bill 96
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Bulletins
• Bulletin #1 | Compliance Alert: Time to File Trademark Applications in Order to Comply with Charter of the French Language
Bill 96 amendments to Quebec's Charter of the French Language, requiring translation of trademarks not registered with CIPO.
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• Bulletin #2 | The repercussions of Bill 96 on Legal Disputes and Public Administration
This bulletin covers the repercussions of Bill 96 on Legal Disputes and Public Administration
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• Bulletin #3 | Bill 96 and Trademarks: Product Packaging and Labelling
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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• Bulletin #4 | Bill 96 and Trademarks: Public Signage and Commercial Advertising
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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• Bulletin #5 | Trademarks and Language: The Potential Impacts Of Bill 96
Bill 96 may constrain the rights of trademark owners when it comes to public signage and advertising.
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• Bulletin #6 | Imminent Reform of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)
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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• Bulletin #7 | Charter of the French Language: New Draft Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business
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.
Resources
• Case Law Watch | Legal Challenges Against Bill 96
Read our summary and download the proceedings challenging Bill 96 that have been filed so far.
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• Questionnaire | Charter of the French Language in Quebec: Does Your Company Pass the Post-Reform Test?
Following the assent on June 1, 2022 of An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, it’s time to put your company to the test!
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• Annotated Charter | Charter of the French Language
Discover the the amended sections of the Charter of the French Language.
• Annotated draft Regulation responding the language of commerce and business | June 2024 update
Discover the changes to the Regulation.
• FAQ | Reform of the Charter of the French Language: our team answers your questions
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
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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Podcast
• Perspectives | Amendments to the Charter of the French Language
With the assent of Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, Antoine Aylwin and Iara Griffith discuss the new Bill’s impact on the use of French in Quebec.
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Media
• Media Coverage | La Presse quotes Antoine Aylwin in an article on Bill 96
“Des PME craintives de coruler sous la paperasse” by Isabelle Massé, La Presse
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•Media Coverage | Montreal Gazette quotes Antoine Aylwin in an article on Bill 96
“Quebec businesses wary of higher costs, OQLF overreach with Bill 96” by Frédéric Tomesco, Montreal Gazette
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•Media Coverage | Journal de Montréal quotes Antoine Aylwin in an article on Bill 96
Available in French only
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• Media Coverage | CBC Radio Montreal interviews Antoine Aylwin in a report on Bill 96
« Are you worried Bill 96 will be bad for business? » with Shawn Apel, CBC Radio Montréal
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