French has been the only official language of Quebec since 1974. French is also Quebec’s only common language and constitutes one of the foundations of its identity and distinct culture.

The Charter of the French Language, adopted in 1977, is the foundation of Quebec’s language policy. It covers all aspects for making French the language of Government and of the law, as well as the normal and everyday language of work, instruction, communication, commerce and business. The preamble to the Charter refers to pursuing this objective in a spirit of fairness and open-mindedness, respectful of the institutions of the English-speaking Quebec community. It also recognizes the right of First Nations and Inuit to preserve and develop their native language and culture.

The Charter of the French Language has approximately a dozen regulations. A government policy also oversees the use and quality of the French language in the public administration (government ministries and agencies). This policy requires that the ministries and agencies it covers adopt a language policy that promotes French monolingualism in their activities, while being aligned with their mission and individual characteristics.

The Charter of the French Language underwent a major reform in 2022. The Ministère de la Langue française was created and the Office québécois de la langue française’s field of action expanded. A French Language Commissioner position was created. Language rights in favour of French have been strengthened, particularly in the areas of justice and the language of work and business. The Administration’s duty to set an example in the use, promotion, protection and influence of French, has been established.

The Politique linguistique de l’État, which came into effect on June 1, 2023, replaces the 2011 government policy. It guides government and municipal departments and agencies, as well as parliamentary institutions, in carrying out their duty to set an example. Under this, the Administration uses French (written and spoken) exclusively in all its activities, subject to certain exceptions governed by directives. The Charter also has approximately 15 regulations respecting its application.

There are also other government policies and legislative or regulatory provisions in sectors where language is a strategic dimension (education, culture, immigration, information technologies, and so on). These are also aimed at ensuring the sustainability and influence of the French language in Quebec.

All these elements make up Quebec’s language policy.