Since its adoption in 2022, Bill 96 (the "Act respecting the official and common language of Québec, the French language") has been widely discussed. For newcomers and international students planning their move to Montreal, this is a topic to understand early, because it affects jobs, education, government services, and your rights at work. Here is the essentials in plain language.
What is Bill 96?
Bill 96 strengthens the 1977 Charter of the French Language (the famous "Charter of the French Language," also known as Bill 101). Its goal: make French the normal and everyday language of work, commerce, business, and services in Quebec. In practice, the law does not force you to speak French in your private life, family, or among friends. However, it requires businesses, organizations, and the government to operate in French.
What changes for businesses
Businesses with 25 or more employees must now:
• Have a committee that oversees the use of French in the workplace;
• Draft most internal communications and contracts in French;
• Offer customer service primarily in French;
• Provide a French version of the software, websites, and documents used by employees.
For larger companies, a person responsible for applying the French language charter must be appointed. In case of a complaint, the Office québécois de la langue française can investigate and order corrections.
Signage and retail
Storefronts and signs must display French in a clearly predominant manner. This does not mean other languages can never appear, but French must be more visible. Restaurant menus, private road signs, advertisements, and websites of Quebec businesses are all affected. If you open a café or shop in Montreal, you must plan for a French version of your menus and signage.
Impact on work and newcomers
Bill 96 enshrines workers' right to work in French. In practice, your employer cannot force you to work exclusively in English if you prefer French. For newcomers, this means that learning French is no longer "optional" for integrating into the Quebec job market: more and more employers require a functional level of French.
For permanent residents, Bill 96 also modifies Quebec's integration regime by creating an obligation to attend integration services in French. If you do not complete certain linguistic steps within a reasonable time, you may face administrative obstacles.
Impact on international students
This is a point that worries many of our student clients. Bill 96 caps the number of international students allowed to study in English at Quebec CEGEPs and universities. This does not affect all foreign students, but it creates access restrictions for certain English-language programs. For francophone students, the effect is neutral or even positive: more places and a job market that favors French.
For internships and post-graduation work, knowledge of French becomes a major asset, and even a requirement in some sectors (healthcare, education, public services).
Government services and access to rights
Bill 96 confirms that all government services must be offered in French. For newcomers, this means your interactions with Immigration Quebec, RAMQ, your borough, and your children's schools must take place in French. If you do not yet speak French fluently, trilingual support services (like the ones we offer) are valuable to avoid administrative misunderstandings.
Practical tips for newcomers
If you are moving to Quebec, here is what we recommend:
• Register for a French class during your first few weeks, ideally before you leave. The Quebec government offers subsidized French courses (sometimes free or even paid);
• Do not rely on English alone to find long-term employment. The Montreal job market is bilingual, but French has become the norm;
• Check the language requirements of the study programs you are targeting, especially if you plan to study in English;
• Keep important documents in French, and consult a certified translator if needed.