French Translations for Compliance with Bill 96 (Loi 96)
Bill 96 is a major language reform adopted in Quebec in June 2022. It amends the Charter of the French Language to strengthen the status of French as the province’s only official and common language. The law introduces new obligations for businesses—including those based outside Quebec but conducting commercial activities in the province, as is often the case for companies from the rest of Canada.
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What is Bill 96?
Loi 96 is legislation aimed at reinforcing the status of French as the sole official language of Quebec by amending the Charter of the French Language. Adopted in June 2022, the law mandates the use of French in communications between businesses and clients, with employees, and in all official documents. It also expands the authority of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), which is responsible for overseeing language compliance.
Businesses operating in Quebec—including those headquartered elsewhere in Canada—must now give priority to French in their services, documentation, and digital tools.
This means, for example, that standard form contracts must be presented in French first, unless the client explicitly agrees in writing to receive another version. Packaging, manuals, advertisements, websites, newsletters, and software must all include a clear and complete French version, with equal or greater visibility than any other language. Internal company communications, job postings, and HR documents must also be provided in French. As a result, businesses need to adjust their practices and invest in professional translation services to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
What Must a Canadian Business Do to Comply with Loi 96 in Quebec?
If a business based in Canada has clients, partners, or employees in Quebec, the following key steps should be considered:
Translate All Content into French
Adapt Internal Practices
French Translation and Bill 96 (Loi 96): What’s the Impact?
Bill 96 has significantly increased the demand for French translations, especially in the following areas:
- Legal translations (contracts, terms of use, internal policies)
- Technical and marketing translations (labels, manuals, product sheets)
- Digital translations (websites, apps, SaaS platforms, newsletters)
- HR and internal communication materials
An “approximate” translation isn’t enough—texts must be professional, clear, and adapted to Quebec French, often reviewed by accredited language professionals.
At CT Language, we support all your French Canadian language needs. Our specialized translators help you produce high-quality French content tailored not only to your professional terminology, but also to the cultural nuances of your Quebec audience.
How to Avoid Rejection by the OQLF?
Your translations must be carried out with great care to avoid rejection by the OQLF and potential fines. Here are key precautions to ensure compliance:
- Do not rely solely on machine translation: Poorly translated content can lead to penalties from the OQLF.
- Work with professional, specialized translators, ideally based in Quebec, who understand the cultural, legal, and linguistic nuances of the region.
- Establish an internal language policy: Identify which documents need to be translated, how, by whom, and how often.
- Monitor timelines: Compliance is being phased in, but several provisions are already in effect.
Does Bill 96 Require Official Certified Translations?
No, in the vast majority of cases, a standard professional translation that is accurate and faithful to the original text is sufficient.
The law requires that:
- Documents must be available in French—often first or in a predominant version;
- The French must be high quality, correct, error-free, and fully understandable;
- Consumers, employees, or partners must be able to fully understand the French version without needing to refer to another language.
When Might a Certified Translation Be Required?
Loi 96 does not make certified translations mandatory, except in the following situations:
- When a public body or court requires it in another legal context (e.g., documents for public tenders, legal evidence, notarial contracts submitted in court, etc.);
- If you want to legally protect yourself in high-risk legal contexts (important contracts, potential litigation), obtaining a certified translation may be a precaution—but it is not required under Bill 96 itself.
What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance with Bill 96?
Failing to comply with Bill 96 (Loi 96) can have serious consequences for businesses. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) may first issue a correction notice, requiring the company to comply within a specified timeframe.
If the business fails to comply, it may face administrative fines, which vary depending on the severity of the violation and the company’s status—reaching up to $30,000 for repeat offences.
In some cases, the OQLF may also require the removal or modification of a non-compliant website, advertisement, or product packaging. In addition, consumers or employees may file complaints, potentially harming the company’s reputation.
To avoid these risks, it is essential to work with a qualified translation provider and to document all efforts made to ensure language compliance. Prevention is the best strategy.
Our Recommendations for Your French Translations in Quebec
To comply with Bill 96 (Loi 96), your business should:
- Deliver high-quality professional translations into Quebec French;
- Ensure the French versions are given priority or at least equal visibility;
- Keep documentation to demonstrate that all required content is indeed available in French.
Working with a translation agency that specializes in Bill 96 compliance—not just a general translator—is often the most effective solution. At CT Language, our Quebec-based experts translate your content with precision and help you implement the right steps to stay compliant with Loi 96.