Hire in Quebec, the right way

In Quebec, French is the language of work. If your Quebec job also needs English or another language, the Charter of the French language sets rules for how you post the job, justify the requirement and write the contract.

Sound familiar?

You need English for some roles but aren't sure you're allowed to require it.

Your job postings and contracts are only in English.

You're not sure how to explain a language requirement in the posting.

How it works on Bilingo

  1. Assess the real language needs
    Before requiring a language other than French, assess the duties, check the language skills already in your team, and limit the number of roles that need it.
  2. Post in French, with reasons
    Publish the posting in French, at the same time and with similar reach as any other language version, and explain why the job needs the other language.
  3. Write the contract in French
    A written employment contract must be in French. A standard-form contract can only be in another language if both parties expressly wish it after the employee has seen the French version.
  4. Communicate in French
    Written communications to employees about their working conditions must be in French.
  5. Find bilingual people on Bilingo
    Post your bilingual Quebec job and reach people who work in both languages.

What helps

Bilingual job seekers

Reach people who are looking specifically for jobs that use their languages.

Language requirement on every posting

Each Bilingo posting says which languages it needs.

Contract templates

Employment agreements with a language requirements clause to adapt for Quebec.

Hiring guides

How to test language skills and where to find bilingual candidates.

Useful resources

Questions

Can I require English for a job in Quebec?

Only if the duties really need it. You must assess the job's actual language needs and the language skills already in your team, and explain the requirement in the posting.

Does my employment contract have to be in French?

A written employment contract must be drawn up in French. It can be in another language only if both parties expressly wish it, and for standard-form contracts only after the employee has seen the French version.

Where can I learn more?

The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) publishes guidance for employers. Check with a lawyer for your situation.

More use cases

Ready to hire?

Post your bilingual job on Bilingo and reach bilingual job seekers across Canada.

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