Language Compliance in Quebec and Canada

Doing business in Quebec and Canada means communicating in the right language — and the right variety. Two realities overlap. First, the Canadian market expects English and French adapted to the country: Canadian spelling, Canadian French, metric units, and local references. Second, Quebec imposes specific legal obligations through the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101, strengthened by Bill 96): signage, labelling, contracts, websites, and internal communications must be in French.

This guide brings together our resources to help you see clearly, step by step. Each article digs into one aspect; together, they cover the essentials of language compliance for a business that wants to succeed in these markets.

• Adapt, don't just translate: Canadian spelling in English, Canadian French in French.
• Signage: in Quebec, French must be markedly predominant; any non-French trademark is accompanied by French text.
• Labelling and packaging: French is mandatory and must not be given less prominence than another language.
• Contracts, invoices, and websites aimed at a Quebec audience: available in French.
• 25 or more employees: OQLF registration and a francization process.
• Compliance is ongoing: every new document or web page must pass the same check.