Contract language and language in contracts

Did you know that, as a business which operates in Quebec, all contracts must be drawn up in French? Even if everyone involved in drafting and signing the contract is Anglophone or bilingual, legally, these contracts must exist in French, with additional drafts existing in other languages if requested. The issue this poses is that the person responsible for writing the contract might not have the competency to write such a document in both official languages, or the person signing the document may not have the language skills to understand legal jargon in French. 

The first kinds of contracts that come to mind are employment- and human resources-related, but this law also covers contracts of adhesion, such as electricity supply contracts, insurance policies, and telephone service contracts. It also goes for contract renewals, amendments, and terminations. Not only this, but the means to access and complete the contract must also be in French, which includes software, apps, and websites. Something else to keep in mind: if there is a discrepancy between the content of the French version and that of the version in another language, the member may invoke either version, as they see fit.

Far too many people read contracts without signing them, but signing an agreement in a language you aren’t fluent in is exceptionally ill-advised. If this all sounds like something a translator can help with, you’re right. On top of being a skilled translator, there is the matter of understanding the lexicon and technical construction in legal contracts, as both a technical writer and a certified Commissioner for Oaths in Newfoundland and Labrador, I’m very familiar with this. 

So, if you need help translating or reading contracts in French, or just understanding the expectations outlined in the Charte de la langue française, reach out, and I can help with consultations, evaluations, and translations.

*Please note this post is not intended as legal advice but as a translation and explanation of sections of the Charte de la langue française.