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ARTICLE · 04 FEBRUARY 2013

Proposed Changes To Québec Language Law Would Affect Employers

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A discussion on the Charter of the French Language which states the fundamental rights of workers to carry out their tasks in French.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Laurence Bourgeois-Hatto
Laurence Bourgeois-Hatto
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The Charter of the French Language (the Charter) took effect in 1977, stating the fundamental rights of workers to carry out their tasks in French.

Bill 14,1 which was introduced on December 5, 2012 by the new Parti Québécois government and has not yet been adopted, will strengthen measures to protect the use of French in business. The province’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms has also been amended so that this quasi-constitutional law now enshrines the right of everyone to live and work in French in Québec.

Language of work

Sections 41 to 50 of the Charter provided rules already regarding the language of work. Bill 14 amends this section by codifying certain employer obligations, such as:

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