Quebec’s Bill 96: What Businesses Need to Know in 2026

Businesses operating in Quebec must navigate a complex linguistic landscape shaped by Bill 96, officially known as the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec. This legislation, initially passed in 2022, continues to evolve with key provisions coming into full effect, impacting everything from workplace communication to public-facing advertising. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Bill 96 as of March 6, 2026, outlining obligations and potential consequences for non-compliance.

Understanding Bill 96: A Timeline

Bill 96 was assented to on June 1, 2022 . While some provisions took effect immediately, many have phased implementation dates. A two-year compliance grace period was offered to companies that began the compliance process before June 1, 2025 . As of June 1, 2025, significant changes regarding trademarks, public signs, and francization rules are now enforced .

Key Obligations for Businesses

Workplace Language

Bill 96 reinforces the right of employees to work in French. Businesses must prioritize French in internal communications, including written correspondence with employees and union representatives. Job offers, employment contracts, application forms, and training materials must be available in French .

When a position requires proficiency in a language other than French, employers must justify this requirement by demonstrating they’ve exhausted all reasonable alternatives, including assessing actual language needs, verifying insufficient existing skills, and limiting the number of bilingual positions .

Francization Committees

Businesses with 100 or more employees are required to establish a francization committee . These committees must meet at least every six months, and meeting minutes must now be submitted to the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) .

Language of Service and Customer Communication

Customers in Quebec have the right to be served in French. Businesses must ensure French is readily available for all customer interactions.

Expanded Francization Rules

Previously applying to businesses with 50 or more employees, francization rules now extend to companies with 25 to 49 employees as of June 1, 2025 . These businesses must register with the OQLF and submit a self-evaluation regarding French language leverage. The OQLF will then determine if the use of French is “generalized” and issue a certificate of francization. If not, a francization program must be submitted .

Public Signs and Trademarks

Public signs and commercial advertising in Quebec must be predominantly in French. Changes to trademark exceptions are in effect as of June 1, 2025 .

Enforcement and Penalties

Bill 96 grants the OQLF expanded powers to investigate potential violations. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties. In 2025, two Montreal companies were each fined $1,500 for publishing commercial content online in a language other than French without a corresponding French version .

Calculating Employee Numbers for Bill 96

To determine applicability of certain provisions, businesses must calculate their employee count over a six-month period . This calculation includes all employees, regardless of location (remote, temporary, or part-time).

Looking Ahead

Bill 96 represents a significant shift in Quebec’s language laws, requiring businesses to prioritize French in all aspects of their operations. Staying informed about evolving regulations and seeking guidance from legal professionals is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.