Bill 96 is a new law passed by the Quebec government in 2022, which is an amendment to the Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101. The goal of Bill 96 is to protect and strengthen French as the official language within the province. The law expands on the provisions of Bill 101, which placed emphasis on centering the French language at the heart of business, education, and commerce operations in Quebec. Some of the key changes brought about by Bill 96 include:

• Francization requirements: Businesses based outside of Quebec, but operating with customers in the province, will be required to provide French translation to the same quality as any English-language content and communications they produce.

• Restrictions on communications: Restrictions on communications with the provincial government in languages other than French.

• French-language requirements for certain contracts: Bill 96 requires that a company submit the French version of the contract of adhesion or standard form contract first. Only after the adhering party has examined the French version can the parties jointly choose to be bound by a version drawn up in a language other than French.

• Penalties for non-compliance: Stricter penalties for non-compliance with the law.

Several sections of Bill 96 already came into force in June 2022, but adoption will be staggered based on the size of the company. Businesses in Quebec with 25 or more employees will need to submit formal documentation to the Office Québécois De La Langue Française (OQLF) and comply with the Francization requirement by June 1, 2025. The law faces several legal challenges, including one filed at the Montreal courthouse on Wednesday.