5 changes in Quebec's Bill 96 that come into effect June 1

Last year, Quebec’s Bill 96 became law, which brought sweeping changes to the Charter of the French language. Sections of the new law will come into effect on June 1, the one-year anniversary of the bill receiving royal assent.

On June 1, 2022, Quebec’s Bill 96 became law, which brought sweeping changes to the Charter of the French language.

The controversial law, which limits the use of English in certain settings, was designed to protect the use of French in Quebec, but since it was passed it has prompted protests, court challenges, and concern from groups representing English-speaking Quebecers.

Parts of the new law will come into effect on June 1, the one-year anniversary of the bill receiving royal assent.

Here is a quick summary of some of the changes that are coming.

New immigrants to Quebec will be given a grace period before provisions of Bill 96 — whose official name is An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec — directly affect them. Beginning June 1, new immigrants must receive government services exclusively in French six months after their arrival in Quebec. 

The government also warns people who are thinking of moving to Quebec permanently that their "knowledge of French will be taken into account in the selection process" and their French-language proficiency will be required for some immigration programs for those wishing to transition from temporary to permanent status.

One immigration lawyer told CTV News that new arrivals may not even have the chance to learn French in their first six months.