Despite requests from business groups to extend the compliance deadline, new rules take effect in Québec this month requiring French to be the dominant language on store signs and imposing stricter guidelines for product packaging.
The changes are part of Québec’s 2022 overhaul of its French-language law, known as Bill 96, which the government said was essential to protect French in the province.
Québec already requires businesses with 50 or more employees to ensure French is the dominant language in the workplace, but now that requirement is being extended to companies with 25 to 49 employees.
Businesses in violation of the new rules can be fined CAN$3,000 (US$2,200) to CAN$30,000 (US$22,000) per day for a first infraction, and up to CAN$90,000 (US$65,000) per day for a third offense. However, the language office claimed that it would not impose immediate fines on non-compliant businesses, as long as they’re taking steps to comply.