Question Period Note: Official languages in federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong Francophone presence

On June 20, 2023, the Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages (short title of Bill C-13) received Royal Assent. Among other things, the Act provides for new legislation to establish new rights to work and obtain services in French in some federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong Francophone presence to be defined. The Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, will come into force by Order-in-Council.

The Government of Canada recognizes that the private sector has a role to play in supporting the substantive equality of the two official languages.

The new Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act provides new rights to work and obtain services in French in some of the federally regulated private businesses located in Quebec and in regions with a strong Francophone presence.

The regulatory process for defining regions with a strong Francophone presence and the size of the affected companies is underway. Pre-consultations were held in spring and summer 2024 with a number of stakeholders, including the Canadian public and organizations representing employees and employers of federally regulated private businesses. The pre-consultation process will continue this fall and early 2025 with groups representing Indigenous peoples

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