Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter
A new version of the language of signs law coming into effect June 1, 2025 will demand that French will have to occupy two-thirds of a commercial sign, and English or another language can occupy the remaining third, the Quebec government announced.
The law also says an English brand name is allowed, but a French descriptor has to be added if one does not exist already on signage, such as Mode to a clothing store or Électronique to a store like Best Buy.
Language Minister Jean-François Roberge says most companies will not have to make changes, as the law currently says French has to be clearly predominant on signs and numerous companies with English brand names have French descriptors. The purpose is to tighten the language law’s rules.
The Minister added that it is “important that 100 per cent of businesses respect that Quebec is the only state in North America where French is the only official language.”
The government has said the cost for businesses to make the changes will be between $7 million and $15 million.
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) Quebec vice-president Francois Vincent said that this is not the best time for store owners to spend more money, with low confidence in the business community.
Vincent added that there is also a backlog for businesses that want to update their trademarks.
“We are worried that some businesses will have to do a follow up with that and not have the decision.” n