c-11 - Charter of the French language

Updated to 31 August 2024

This document has official status.

chapter C-11

Charter of the French language

On 12 August 2022, the Superior Court of Québec suspended, until a final judgment, the coming into force of sections 5 and 119 of An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (2022, c. 14) to amend the Charter of the French language (chapter C-11) by adding sections 9 and 208.6.

On 10 April 2024, the Superior Court of Québec ordered a stay of the application of sections 16, 16.1, 21, 21.3, 21.7 and 21.11 of the Charter of the French language (chapter C-11) to English language school boards until a final judgment, except for situations where a partner or a contracting party requires the use of the official language.

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS the French language, the distinctive language of a people that is in the majority French-speaking, is the instrument by which that people has articulated its identity;

Whereas the National Assembly of Québec recognizes that Quebecers wish to see the quality and influence of the French language assured, and is resolved therefore to make of French the language of Government and the Law, as well as the normal and everyday language of work, instruction, communication, commerce and business;

Whereas the National Assembly recognizes that French is the only common language of the Québec nation and that it is essential that all be aware of the importance of the French language and Québec culture as elements that bind society together, and whereas it is resolved therefore to ensure that everyone has access to learning French and to perfecting knowledge and mastery of that language, and to make French the language of integration;

Whereas the National Assembly intends to pursue this objective in a spirit of fairness and open-mindedness, respectful of the institutions of the English-speaking community of Québec, and respectful of the ethnic minorities, whose valuable contribution to the development of Québec it readily acknowledges;

Whereas the National Assembly of Québec recognizes the right of the First Nations and the Inuit in Québec, the first inhabitants of this land, to preserve and develop their original language and culture;

Whereas Québec is the only French-speaking State in North America and shares a long history with the francophone and Acadian communities of Canada, and whereas that confers a special responsibility on Québec, which intends to play a leading role within La Francophonie;

Whereas these observations and intentions are in keeping with a new perception of the worth of national cultures in all parts of the earth, and of the obligation of every people to contribute in its special way to the international community;

Whereas, in accordance with parliamentary sovereignty, it is incumbent on the Parliament of Québec to confirm the status of French as the official language and common language in the territory of Québec and to enshrine the paramountcy of that status in Québec’s legal order, while ensuring a balance between the collective rights of the Québec nation and human rights and freedoms;

Therefore, Her Majesty, with the advice and consent of the National Assembly of Québec, enacts as follows:

1977, c. 5; 2022, c. 14, s. 1.

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