The Quebec government has implemented new regulations requiring French to dominate most of the space on storefronts and outdoor commercial signs. This means that even businesses with English brand names must include generic terms or descriptions in French that take up twice as much space as the English name. These rules are part of Bill 96, which was introduced in 2022 to strengthen Quebec’s language laws and protect the French language. The regulations were published recently and are set to be enforced in June 2025.
In addition to storefront signage, the new regulations also impose stricter French language requirements on product packaging. This means that companies selling products in Quebec will need to ensure that their packaging includes French descriptions that are prominent and easily visible to consumers. By imposing these requirements, the Quebec government aims to reinforce the use of French in commercial spaces and promote the language in the province.
The decision to require French dominance on commercial signage has raised concerns among some businesses, particularly those with English brand names. Companies like Canadian Tire will need to make adjustments to their storefronts to comply with the new regulations. While the rules aim to promote and protect the French language, they may pose challenges for businesses operating in Quebec and could require significant changes to their marketing and branding strategies.
The Quebec government’s efforts to strengthen French language requirements on commercial signs and product packaging come as part of a broader initiative to protect and promote French in the province. Bill 96, which was introduced in 2022, seeks to ensure that French remains the dominant language in various aspects of public life, including business and commerce. By enacting these regulations, the government aims to uphold the status of French as the primary language in Quebec.
While the new regulations may pose challenges for businesses operating in Quebec, they reflect the government’s commitment to preserving the French language and culture in the province. By requiring French to dominate commercial signage and product packaging, Quebec aims to reinforce the use of the language in everyday life and uphold its status as the official language. As the regulations come into force in June 2025, businesses will need to ensure that they comply with the new requirements and make necessary adjustments to their marketing and branding practices to align with the regulations.
Overall, the Quebec government’s decision to impose stricter French language requirements on commercial signage and product packaging reflects its ongoing efforts to protect and promote the French language in the province. While the regulations may present challenges for some businesses, they underscore Quebec’s commitment to preserving French as the dominant language and upholding its status in various aspects of public life. As businesses prepare to comply with the new rules, they will need to navigate the changes and ensure that their marketing and branding strategies align with the requirements set out in Bill 96.
