Bill 96 in its Final Form: Essential Insights and Compliance Strategies

Format:
Webinar
Accreditation:
This program contains 1 hour of Professionalism content. (Law Society of Ontario) This program contains 1 hour of Professionalism content. (Law Society of British Columbia)
Speaker:
André de Maurivez – Head of Legal (Canada), Crédit Agricole CIB
François Larose – Principal/Directeur, Smart & Biggar LP
Tania Da Silva – Partner, DLA Piper
Date Published:
January 23, 2025
Duration:
1 h

OVERVIEW

In this CPD-accredited webinar, Alexa Translations CEO Gary Kalaci is joined by legal experts André de Maurivez, François Larose, and Tania Da Silva to discuss key Bill 96 compliance takeaways for in-house counsel. Topics include French-first rules for employment documents, new thresholds for francization, disclosure obligations to Quebec’s corporate registry, and how the OQLF enforces compliance. The panel also explores risks and limitations of using AI tools to meet language law requirements.

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Key Takeaways

  • Employment agreements must be provided in French first, with limited exceptions for individually negotiated contracts. Most written internal communications must also be in French unless an employee formally requests otherwise.
  • Companies with 5+ Quebec employees must file language disclosures. OQLF registration becomes mandatory at 25 employees starting June 2025.
  • Organizations must offer internal software in French if a French version exists. Websites, regardless of software availability, must be accessible in French.
  • The exemption for English trademarks only applies to registered marks that reflect the product's name. Descriptive or generic content must be translated.
  • Contracts of adhesion can only be signed in another language if both parties review the French version first. In-house counsel must manage this process and ensure accurate reporting of linguistic capabilities during corporate filings.

FAQ

Why should lawyers revisit Bill 96 now?
The final version of the regulation, in effect since June 2024, introduces stricter compliance requirements. Lawyers advising clients in Quebec must understand these changes to mitigate risk. Resources to help you do so can be found on our Bill 96 learning hub.
What new obligations do in-house counsel need to prioritize?
Employment contracts in French, REQ language disclosures, and compliance with the June 2025 francization threshold are among the most urgent.
How is trademark use affected by the final version of Bill 96?
Only registered trademarks may appear exclusively in English. Any descriptive or generic wording must be translated into French, regardless of branding.

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Compliance Note

This program has been approved for Professionalism CPD credit by the LSO and for CPD credit by the LSBC. Please retain your confirmation email as proof of attendance in the event of an audit.
The Barreau du Québec no longer accredits external CPD providers. Members are responsible for self-declaring hours under the Regulation respecting compulsory continuing education for lawyers. Programs accredited by the LSO or LSBC are typically accepted in Québec, if relevant to legal practice and aligned with Barreau standards. If unsure whether a course qualifies, consult the Barreau’s website or contact them directly.
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