True or False? Test Your Knowledge of Language Rights

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In 2022, the National Assembly passed Bill 96, which made many changes to the Charter of the French language. The new rules are taking effect progressively until 2025. Do you know which rules are already in effect and which ones aren’t? Take our five-question quiz to find out! 

True or False? Test Your Knowledge of Language Rights

Businesses with five or more employees must be able to serve customers in French.

Correct answer

Even before the recent changes, customers had the right to be informed and served in French, but the new rules reinforce this right and clear up some grey areas. 

Businesses can still provide service in another language if that’s what the customer prefers. But if someone asks to be served in French, the business must comply. This means there should always be enough French-speaking employees on shift. 

Wrong answer

Even before the recent changes, customers had the right to be informed and served in French, but the new rules reinforce this right and clear up some grey areas. 

Businesses can still provide service in another language if that’s what the customer prefers. But if someone asks to be served in French, the business must comply. This means there should always be enough French-speaking employees on shift.

Most new CEGEP students must pass a French exam to graduate.

Correct answer

As of the 2023-2024 school year, new CEGEP students must pass a standardized French test (link is in French only) to graduate. This requirement is integrated in the new study programs introduced by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and applies both to French- and English-language CEGEPS.

There’s one exception: people found eligible for English-language instruction at the elementary or high school level — whether under a certificate of eligibility or special authorization — do not need to pass this exam to graduate from CEGEP. 

Wrong answer

As of the 2023-2024 school year, new CEGEP students must pass a standardized French test (link is in French only) to graduate. This requirement is integrated in the new study programs introduced by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and applies both to French- and English-language CEGEPS.

There’s one exception: people found eligible for English-language instruction at the elementary or high school level — whether under a certificate of eligibility or special authorization — do not need to pass this exam to graduate from CEGEP.

Francization rules apply to all businesses in Quebec.

Wrong answer

Francization rules aim to promote and increase the use of French among employees. These rules currently apply to businesses with 50 or more employees. On June 1, 2025, they will be extended to include businesses with 25 to 49 employes. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees will remain exempt.

Did you know?

  
Francization is a process that aims to ensure French is the usual language of business in Quebec. 

The new rules are designed to broaden the use of French in workplaces and at all levels of an enterprise.  

Correct answer

Francization rules aim to promote and increase the use of French among employees. These rules currently apply to businesses with 50 or more employees. On June 1, 2025, they will be extended to include businesses with 25 to 49 employes. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees will remain exempt.

Did you know?

  
Francization is a process that aims to ensure French is the usual language of business in Quebec. 

The new rules are designed to broaden the use of French in workplaces and at all levels of an enterprise.  

All final judgments originally drafted in English must be accompanied by a French version.

It’s complicated!

The law now says that a French version must be attached “immediately and without delay” to any judgment rendered in English that “terminates a proceeding or is of public interest”. 

This new rule was supposed to take effect on June 1, 2024, but on May 17, Court of Québec judge Dennis Galiatsatos rendered a decision suspending the operation of this provision in criminal cases. The Quebec government is planning to appeal this decision, so the outcome has yet to be determined. 

Provincial and municipal bodies can use English to communicate with newcomers to Quebec.

Correct answer

Provincial and municipal bodies, including government departments, Hydro-Québec, and public transit authorities, can use English to communicate with newcomers in the six months following their arrival in Quebec. 

During this period, government bodies can even provide services in a language other than English or French. This option depends on demand for a given language and available resources. 

Wrong answer

Provincial and municipal bodies, including government departments, Hydro-Québec, and public transit authorities, can use English to communicate with newcomers in the six months following their arrival in Quebec. 

During this period, government bodies can even provide services in a language other than English or French. This option depends on demand for a given language and available resources.