Do You Need To Be in Compliance With Bill 96?

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The RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported the following on Dec. 18; to see their post, click here.

As companies prepare to turn the calendar to a new year, it is a good time for companies that sell products into Quebec (both manufacturers and suppliers) to review their respective compliance obligations when it comes to French translation requirements under the Charter of the French Language, Bill 96, and its final regulation.

Over the last few months, the RVIA has published articles on these French translation requirements and answered some commonly asked questions.  Companies should read these as a starting point for their internal review process.

In addition, companies should consider the following steps as part of their compliance review:

• Review their product offering and all associated product documentation so that they can inventory what is already translated into French and what still may need to be translated.
• Determine whether the company is selling NFPA 1192 or CSA Z240 compliant products into Quebec. There is no requirement that you sell one or the other in Quebec, but it should be part of the review process since CSA Z240-compliant units already include French warning labels.
• Communicate with companies’ Quebec dealers to see what, if anything, the dealer may need from each company to meet its compliance requirements.
• Obtain legal counsel to translate any contracts, terms, warranties, or other legal documentation into French.
• Consider whether websites or digital tools need to be translated into French, especially if accessible in Quebec.
• Once you have identified all the content, translate the materials in accordance with Quebec law.

Although not a comprehensive checklist, these steps are a starting point for a company that wishes to undergo a Quebec French translation compliance review process.

Disclaimer From RVIA: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not comprehensive or exhaustive. It is important to consult with your legal counsel on the interpretation and applicability of Quebec’s laws as they relate to French translation requirements. The RVIA assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. The information above is subject to change by Quebec.