If you do business in Canada, especially in Quebec, you’ve probably heard Bill 96 mentioned a lot over the past couple of years.

Even if you’re based outside the country, this legislation may still affect you if your products, websites, software, or customer communications reach Quebec audiences.

As a Language Service Provider (LSP), we help our clients with all their language needs and we know a lot of organizations want clarity about how to navigate their way through the legalities surrounding Bill 96.

At its core, Bill 96 is about protecting and strengthening the French language in Quebec. But in practice, it has wide-ranging implications for companies, marketers, product teams, and especially the localization industry.

Let’s look at what you need to know about Bill 96 and how to stay on the right side of it. 

A Quick Overview of Bill 96

Bill 96 is formally known as “An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec.” It was adopted in 2022 and amends Quebec’s long-standing Charter of the French Language, often called Bill 101.

The goal of Bill 96 is to simply reinforce French as the primary language of work, commerce, education, and public life in Quebec. Lawmakers felt that French was losing ground, particularly in business and digital environments, and this legislation is meant to reverse that trend.

What makes Bill 96 stand out is that it expands language requirements into areas that were previously more flexible, especially for digital products, customer communications, and contracts.

Who Needs to Pay Attention?

You don’t need a physical office in Quebec to be affected. If you sell products or services to customers in Quebec, operate a website accessible there, or provide software or apps used by Quebec residents, Bill 96 may apply to you.

This includes SaaS companies, e-commerce brands, mobile apps, software providers, manufacturers, and professional services firms. Even internal documentation can be impacted if your Quebec-based employees rely on it.

For localization teams, this means Bill 96 is not a niche regional law. It’s a compliance issue that reaches global businesses.

What Does “Compliance” Actually Mean?

Staying compliant with Bill 96 mostly comes down to ensuring French isn’t treated as an afterthought.

Under the law, French must be available and prominent in customer-facing materials. That includes websites, mobile apps, contracts, terms and conditions, help documentation, and customer support communications. In many cases, French must be provided by default, not only upon request.

For digital products, this often means a fully functional French version that offers the same experience as the English one. Partial translations or machine-only solutions without review can be risky if they lead to inaccuracies or a degraded user experience.

For contracts and legal documents, French versions are generally required, and customers must be able to read and agree to them in French before being presented with versions in other languages.

How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law

The safest way to approach Bill 96 is to think proactively rather than reactively. Instead of scrambling to translate content when issues arise, companies are building French into their workflows from the start.

That means planning for French localization at the product design stage, not after launch. It also means working with qualified translators and language service providers who understand Quebec French, not just generic French.

Ongoing updates matter too. If your English content changes, the French version needs to be updated promptly. Stale translations can create compliance gaps, even if the original translation was accurate.

Finally, documentation and processes are important. Many companies are now keeping clearer records of their language practices to demonstrate good-faith compliance if questions arise.

The Ripple Effect on the Localization Industry

Bill 96 has had a noticeable impact on the localization industry, particularly in North America.
Demand for Quebec French has increased sharply, not just for marketing content but for legal, technical, and UX-heavy materials.

Clients are no longer asking, “Do we really need French?” They’re asking, “How fast can we get high-quality French that meets legal standards?”

This has raised the bar for quality. Literal translations are often not enough, especially for legal disclaimers, user interfaces, and customer support flows. Cultural accuracy and legal precision matter more than ever.

Localization teams are also being pulled into earlier strategic conversations. Instead of simply translating content, they’re advising on workflows, content rollout, and risk management. In many organizations, localization is moving from a tactical function to a compliance-critical one.

Why Bill 96 is Likely Here to Stay

While Bill 96 sparked debate when it was introduced, there’s little indication that Quebec will reverse course. Language protection has deep cultural and political support in the province, and enforcement mechanisms are becoming clearer over time.

For businesses, that means treating Bill 96 as a long-term reality, not a temporary hurdle. Those who adapt early tend to experience fewer disruptions, smoother launches, and better relationships with Quebec customers.

From a broader perspective, Bill 96 also signals a global trend. Governments are paying closer attention to language, accessibility, and consumer rights in digital spaces. Quebec just happens to be leading the charge.

Win by Embracing the Bill

Bill 96 doesn’t have to be scary, but it does require considered action. When companies respect French as a core language rather than a box to check, compliance becomes much easier.

For the localization industry, this law has reinforced the basic truth that language is not just about words. It’s about trust, clarity, and inclusion. And in Quebec, French is the key to all three.

Does Bill 96 affect your organization? Do you need help operating in Quebec? If so, we’d love to talk to you.

Consultations are free and there’s no obligation. You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.