Companies face confusion as they prepare for Quebec's new language rules next year
CTV
In just under a year's time, important pieces of the new French language law are set to come into force for companies operating in Quebec. Although many are preparing for the laws to be applied, the future requirements are still causing some stress, notably because of the paperwork involved and what some say is a lack of clarity.
In just under a year's time, important pieces of the new French language law are set to come into force for companies operating in Quebec. Although many are preparing for the laws to be applied, the future requirements are still causing some stress, notably because of the paperwork involved and what some say is a lack of clarity.
As June 1, 2025 approaches, Isabelle Jomphe and Brittany Carson, two lawyers at law firm Lavery, have their hands full. Since the adoption of Bill 96 in 2022, they have been helping numerous companies in Quebec and abroad to comply with the various amendments.
"We're coming up to the last law. So, we need to look for the little additional details to try to advise companies as well as possible and avoid unpleasant surprises on June 2, 2025," said Jomphe in an interview.
The lawyer devotes much of her time to the issues surrounding future trademark regulations.
One of these concerns exterior commercial signage. French will have to appear "clearly predominant" when a company's trademark is displayed in a language other than French. A company that has a name with an expression taken from a language other than French is also affected by the measure.
"It may require merchants to make major changes to their storefronts if they don't already meet this criterion," said Jomphe.
Carson is working on the issue of francization, which from now on will affect small businesses with 25 to 49 employees. They must register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) before June 1, 2025, and begin the process of francization.
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