The Charter of the French language (R.S.Q. c. C-11)
(the French Charter) was adopted in 1977 by the Québec
government to protect the French language. The French Charter gives
the French language the status of official language in
Québec, thus making the use of the French language mandatory
in all spheres of public life in the province, including commerce
and business.
This article and the series to follow, will examine the French
language requirements for commerce and business in the province of
Québec and provide practical guidance on how brand owners
can navigate these requirements.
Generally speaking, the French Charter applies to businesses
with an establishment in the province of Québec (this
includes a P.O. box) and, in certain regards, it applies to
businesses selling their goods and performing their services in
Québec, without necessarily being established there.
