All businesses must display at least twice as much French, compared to other languages, on their store fronts starting in June 2025, says the Quebec government.
Businesses that currently display English signs will have to add larger French texts, including big name brands and multinational stores.
As for product labels, the law will require a minimum presence of a French description on all products.
After presenting the new language regulations last January, Minister of the French Language Jean-François Roberge will require companies to adopt a “French first” policy on outdoor signs.
The sanctions will range from $700 to $30,000 depending on the severity of the offense.
English will not be banned, but must be accompanied by slogans or descriptions in French, since the regulations claim the French text must “have a greater visual impact” than any other language on the sign.
However, some sectors will be exempt, such as household appliances, because manufactures claim they aren’t ready to apply the new rules yet, which could lead to consumers having limited choices.
According to the CAQ government, surveillance and staff numbers will also be increased at the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) in the upcoming years.
In January, Roberge estimated the total cost to companies would range between $7 million and $15 million.