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French language: Do you know your rights?

Test your knowledge with our quiz!

 

Is a shopkeeper allowed to welcome you in English? Can you have a contract in English only? What if the French and English versions of a merchant's refund policy don't provide the same thing? Can you complain if there's a grammatical error in your contract?

If this is the type of question you're asking yourself, test your knowledge with our interactive questionnaire to find out about your rights and how to assert them. To find out more, read our explanations on this page.

Answer its 8 True or False questions to find out how well you know your rights! The questionnaire is anonymous and takes just 90 seconds to complete. Let's get started!

 

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True or false?
In Quebec, the official language is French, while Canada has two official languages, French and English.*

What does the law say?

In Quebec, the law requires companies to do business in French. Section 5 of the Charter of the French Language (also known as Bill 101), adopted in 1977, states that "consumers of goods or services have the right to be informed and served in French". This obligation applies to all companies, regardless of size, that doing business in Quebec.

According to the Office québécois de la langue française's report on the evolution of the linguistic situation in Quebec, in 2023, the rate of availability of service in French in the businesses visited was 98% in the six urban zones. This means that 2% of merchants did not serve their customers in French.

How do your rights apply in Quebec?

You want to buy a coffee machine. What can you if you buy online? What about in-store? What about the contract?

On line
  • Communications (social networks, website) must be written in French.
  • Shopping and after-sales service can be provided in French.
In the shops
  • When purchasing goods or services, the exchange can be held in French.
  • Catalogs, brochures and leaflets must be written in French.
  • After-sales service is available in French.

 

 

What about contracts, invoices, receipts and instructions for use?
  • All documents must be written in French.

Would you like to know more about your rights or make a complaint? 

Someeof your questions are still unanswered? A shopkeeper has served you in English, despite your request to speak French?e chat in French? Visit the Office québécois de la langue française website. You'll find a a denunciation form as well as a host of resources. You can also reach them by dialing 1 888 873-6202 (option 2).

 

What to do if you see a French mistake ? 

It should be noted that a text containing grammatical, syntactic or spelling errors does not constitute a contravention of the Charter of the French Language, unless the text is incomprehensible or could cause danger to the consumer through misuse of the product.

If you notice a mistake, let the merchant know! Everyone can improve their language skills.

 

This project is being carried out by Option consommateurs with funding from the Ministère de la langue française.