5 things about Quebecs new language rules for businesses – Montreal [Video]

New rules took effect in Quebec on Sunday requiring French to be the dominant language on store signs and imposing stricter guidelines for product packaging.

The changes are part of Quebec’s 2022 overhaul of its French-language law, known as Bill 96, which the government said was essential to protect French in the province.

The new rules came into force on June 1 despite a request from business groups to extend the deadline for companies to comply. They say businesses haven’t been given enough time to make changes that can be onerous and costly.

Here are five things to know about the latest language regulations.

Under the new rules, French must take up twice as much space as other languages on store signs and commercial advertising. That means stores with English names, like Canadian Tire, Best Buy and Second Cup will have to include generic terms or descriptions in French on their storefronts that take up two …