Francization Process for Companies Operating in Quebec

If you’re a business operating in Quebec, but based elsewhere, you might not be familiar with the nuances of the Charte de la langue française and the Office québécois de la langue française. This isn’t uncommon because, as a francophone province, Quebec reserves the right to publish this information exclusively in French, making it challenging for anglophone business-owners and English companies to understand and follow all the rules.

Did you know that under article 139, companies employing 25 or more people in Quebec for six months must register with the Office québécois de la langue française no later than six months after the end of that period? Here is a breakdown of the process: 

1. Registration with the Office québécois de la langue française

The company submits the registration form to the Office.

A registration certificate is issued to the company.

• Deadline: immediately for companies with 35 or more employees.

2. Analysis of the linguistic situation

The company submits an analysis of its linguistic situation to the Office.

The Office assesses whether the use of French is widespread at all levels of the company.

• Deadline: 3 months after registration.
• If the company complies, skip to step 4.

3. Francization program

If the use of French is not widespread at all levels of the company, the company must adopt and implement a francization program.

This program is developed with the support of the Office and approved by it.

• Deadline: 3 months for submission of the program.
• Frequency with which program implementation reports must be submitted: every 12 months.
• Extension: at the company’s request and at least 3 months before the program expires

4. Certification

If the use of French is widespread at all levels of the company, the Office will issue it with a French language certification.

5.   Report on changes in the use of French within the company

Every three years, the company produces and submits to the Office a report on changes in the use of French within the company.

After certification, if the use of French is not widespread at all levels of the company, the following actions are planned:

• The Office may order the development and implementation of an action plan.
• A notice of order is sent to the company, giving it the opportunity to submit its comments within at least 15 days.
• Production by the company of its action plan and transmission of this to the Office within two months of the date of receipt of the order.

If you need help navigating the process, preparing for the evaluation, or just understanding the contents of the Charte, reach out and I can help with consultations, evaluations, and translations.

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