Bill 96

Bienvenue! Welcome!

We’re so glad that you’ve chosen Montréal for your meeting. Our city is a thriving, dynamic and multicultural metropolis has so much to offer delegates.

This page was created to clarify and demystify a few key language points and make your Montréal meeting planning easier. We’ll start with the basics:

What is the official language of Montréal and the province of Québec?

French. However, over 80% of the Montréal workforce in the tourism, meetings and hospitality industry speaks French, English and often Spanish, making it the largest bilingual and trilingual workforce in Canada.

It’s worth mentioning that Montréal boasts over 120 different cultural groups, and most Montrealers speak a third language. All of these languages are what adds to the city’s unique personality, charm and energy.

Will I be understood if I speak English?

Absolutely! But expect to be addressed in French first, with a warm “Bonjour!”. Once someone in the service industry realizes you speak English, however, they will quickly switch to English.

What is Bill 96?

Bill 96 is a bill that was introduced to protect the French language, given that the province of Québec is French-speaking, and is surrounded by primarily English-speaking Canada and the United States.

Bill 96 requires that businesses of 25 employees or more in Québec prioritize French for all written and spoken communications. It ensures that Québecers can work and receive service in French.

Does Bill 96 impact the meetings industry?

No. Bill 96 does not affect the convention and business industry. It has no impact on an event’s content or language, nor on the services offered to participants and visitors in convention centres, meeting venues, hotels, restaurants or other event venues.

Do I have to ensure my event publications (catalogues, brochures, etc.) are in French?

No. Publications for a specialized or limited public for your event may be exclusively in the language of your choice.

What about indoor signage?

Indoor signage for Canadian events, must be in French and English, Canada’s two official languages.

Indoor signage for American or international events can be in any language.

What about outdoor signage?

Outdoor signage for the general public for Canadian, American or international events must be bilingual, with French displayed first.

Do I need to have French interpreters for my event?

No. They are not required for conferences, business meetings or conventions held in English. However, if you are expecting a large contingent of Québec attendees, we suggest hosting some sessions in French, as a courtesy.

Anything else?

Enjoy your event! Montréal is celebrated for its joie de vivre and has so much to offer outside of your conference (which, we are sure, will be amazing!). Look forward to warm and friendly people, a trend-setting culinary scene, nightlife, shopping, architecture, culture beyond compare and so many other inspirations. And hey, you might even pick up some French!