The Legault government will implement new regulations requiring French to be predominant on commercial signs in Quebec by June 2025.
However, the government has postponed new rules requiring more French on engraved markings on appliances such as washers, ovens, and coffee makers. Manufacturers argued they are not ready to apply these rules, and groups suggested it could limit consumer choices.
After presenting new language regulations applying elements of Bill 96 in draft form in January, the Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, has declared the consultation phase closed.
With minor wording changes, the regulations remain similar to those published in January. Quebec companies—from small corner stores to multinational chains—must adopt a “French first and predominant” policy on their outdoor signs.
English is not banned but must be accompanied by slogans or descriptions in French. The regulations state that French must be “markedly predominant,” with the French text having a greater visual impact than any other language on the sign and occupying two-thirds of the facade.
Roberge asserts that most company signs already comply, but for others, the deadline to adjust their signs is approaching.
Roberge has downplayed complaints from groups like the Conseil du Patronat, which represents businesses, claiming the changes will cost companies millions.
Roberge estimates the total cost for companies to change their signs will be between $7 million and $15 million.
Roberge has deferred the third part of his regulations, which would have covered the language used on appliances sold in Quebec. Under existing law, permanent markings—such as those that are engraved, embossed, or welded—are permitted in a language other than French unless related to product safety.
The draft regulations would have ended that exception, requiring French markings if they are “necessary for the use of the product.”
Manufacturers argued that such markings cannot be easily changed on international production lines, and consumers feared this would lead to fewer choices and higher prices.
In June, the CBC reported that U.S. officials discussed imposing trade sanctions on Canada over the regulations, which enforce Bill 96 (now known as Bill 14), overhauling the Charter of the French Language.
Roberge confirmed that he personally met with American officials regarding this issue.
Last winter, Roberge argued before a legislative committee that if citizens of France and Belgium can “cuire” their food on stoves with French instructions, Quebecers should not have to “bake” their food on appliances with English-only markings.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Conseil du Patronat Vice-President Sandra De Cicco welcomed the news that the government had abandoned “its war against the on-off buttons on appliances to protect French.”
However, De Cicco expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline for implementing the sign law.
“The sore point is that the date where the regulations start to apply remains unchanged,” De Cicco said, adding June 1, 2025 “is too soon for companies to make such profound changes in their operations.”
However, Roberge emphasized that Quebec’s Office Québécois de la langue française (OQLF) is available to support and assist businesses in adapting to the regulations.
He pointed out that with additional staffing over the past two years, the OQLF is prepared to increase inspections. Violations of the law can result in fines ranging from $700 to $30,000, depending on the circumstances.
Roberge highlighted a 150% increase in complaints registered with the OQLF regarding signage language over the past five years.
According to The Gazette, one reason for this surge is that the government accepts anonymous complaints from citizens.
“These aren’t just 50 people filing complaints,” Roberge stated. “Quebecers are more aware and vigilant. They observe the decline of French in many sectors. I’m pleased to see people are engaged and committed to ensuring the vitality of the French language in Quebec.”
Last week, the Quebec cabinet approved the final version of the regulations, which were published in the June 26 edition of the government’s Gazette Officielle.
