Quebec implements stricter French language and labor regulations

Quebec has strengthened its language and labor protections through Bill 96 and existing provincial charters. Under Bill 96, also known as ‘An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec’, all businesses operating in the province must ensure French is available for various commercial activities.

Requirements include making websites, social media, catalogues, and advertising accessible in French. For physical signage, French must be used or show marked predominance. Starting June 1, 2025, non-French business names or trademarks on exterior signs must be accompanied by French text. These rules apply to any business actively serving Quebec customers online, regardless of whether they maintain a physical office in the province.

In the labor sector, Quebec workers are protected by the Act respecting labour standards and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Employers are prohibited from requiring medical certificates for the first three short absences (three consecutive days or less) within a 12-month period. Additionally, overtime regulations mandate time-and-a-half pay for hours exceeding the standard 40-hour workweek, and employees maintain the right to refuse shifts that exceed 14 hours in a 24-hour period or 50 hours in a week.