Doing Business in Quebec: Substantial Increase in Fines for Breach of Language Laws

On October 19, 2010, the Québec National Assembly adopted Bill No. 115, An Act following upon the court decisions on the language of instruction (“Bill 115”). While most of the local attention generated by Bill 115 has been related to its provisions further limiting access to subsidized English schools, all businesses operating in the province should be made aware of certain amendments relating to the Charter of the French Language (the “Charter”) penal provisions.