Quebec demands federally-regulated companies come up with plan to increase French at work
Quebec has started warning companies under federal jurisdiction that they have one month to devise a plan that complies with its new language regulations under Bill 96.
Last week, Quebec's language watchdog, the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), sent a letter to hundreds of unregistered federally-regulated companies to start the francization process "to generalize the use of French within the business."
Under Bill 96, the procedure is now required for all companies with 25 or more employees.
"Companies with 50 or more employees have been informed that they must begin the francization process immediately," said Chantal Bouchard, a spokesperson with the OQLF. "Companies with 25 to 49 employees have been informed that they can register now but have three years after the law is passed to do so."
Nevertheless, the OQLF says it has asked all companies, regardless of size, to provide "certain information within 30 days" to allow it to begin its coaching process.
The controversial language law was passed last month by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government and promised sweeping changes to bolster the presence of the French language in the province.
At the time, Quebec said it expected Bill 96 to be extended to businesses under federal jurisdiction, such as banks, airlines and telecommunications companies.
However, the federal government is working on its own plan to update Canada's Official Languages Act, Bill C-13.
It is still being debated in parliament, but federally-regulated companies would have to comply with any potential new rules once they have been established.
Federal Justice Minister David Lametti has already said Ottawa is prepared to get involved in Bill 96, depending on how it is executed.
"We will, as I said, monitor the implementation," he said. "There are possibilities of implementing the law without affecting federal jurisdiction."
The OQLF states that federally-regulated companies registered with it before the amendment was passed "have already been certified."
In addition to this francization process for businesses, Bill 96 gives new immigrants, including refugees, six months to master the language before using it for official purposes, with some exceptions for health care and justice.
Another part of the law notes birth, death and marriage certificates will now only be issued in French.
Many experts in fields such as health care, education and justice have questioned the bill's legality, with court challenges already filed -- and more potentially to come.
-- with files from CTV News' Joe Lofaro.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.