If you do business in Quebec—or plan to—it’s time to act. With Bill 96 coming into full effect on June 1, 2025, the countdown is officially on for companies to align their communications, operations, and customer-facing materials with Quebec’s updated Charter of the French Language.
The obligation to undertake the francization process now extends to businesses with 25 or more employees in Quebec. Specifically, if your business operates in Quebec and has 25 to 49 employees, you will be required to register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and begin your francization process no later than June 1, 2025.
At LAT Multilingual, we know that compliance can sometimes feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, francization becomes an opportunity to build stronger connections with your target audience in Quebec.
What is Bill 96?
Passed in 2022, Bill 96 significantly strengthens the role of the French language in Quebec. Its goal is to reinforce the primacy of French across public life, particularly in commerce, education, the workplace, and government services.
In case you missed it, we’ve broken down the essentials of Bill 96 and Quebec’s language laws in this article, and we also have a dedicated resource page here.
One of the key elements for businesses is francization—the process of adapting your materials and operations to comply with Quebec’s language requirements.
What is Francization?
Francization isn’t just translation. It’s the process of integrating French into your business operations in a way that resonates with Québécois consumers and meets legal standards. This includes:
- Product packaging and labelling
- Websites and online content
- Marketing and advertising
- Customer service communications
- Employment contracts and internal documents
Under Bill 96, these elements must prioritize French, not just offer it as an afterthought. In many cases, failing to comply could result in penalties, audits, or reputational risk.
Why Businesses Should Take Action Now
With June 1 fast approaching, many companies are still playing catch-up. However, francization is not something you want to rush. It requires strategy, cultural insight, and high-quality language adaptation.
Some of the common challenges we see include:
- Incomplete or inconsistent French translations
- Over-reliance on automated tools
- Neglecting SEO in French markets
- Misunderstanding tone and cultural nuance in Quebec
That’s where we come in.
How LAT Multilingual Can Help
At LAT, we specialize in helping Canadian and international brands connect with local audiences, which includes ensuring you meet the requirements of Bill 96 and resonate with French Canadian consumers.
Our services include:
- Strategic content adaptation: Beyond word-for-word translation, we make sure your messaging hits home.
- Francization audits and consultations: We’ll assess your current materials and help you map a plan to full compliance.
- Website localization: We’ll ensure your digital presence aligns with both user expectations and legal standards.
- Ongoing support: Whether it’s for internal documents or future campaigns, we’ll keep your communications fluent and compliant.
Don’t Just Comply—Connect
Francization in Quebec isn’t a one-time task — it’s a shift in how you communicate with one of Canada’s most distinct and dynamic markets. Companies that embrace this shift will not only avoid risk, but also build deeper relationships with their audiences.
If you haven’t started preparing for Bill 96, now’s the time. Get in touch with us today, and let us help you get there smoothly, confidently, and strategically.
