Several good reasons to learn and master French

Since Québec is a majority francophone society, mastering French is essential to help you integrate and participate fully in community life.

Communicate effectively in everyday life

Learning French will make your life easier in Québec. You will need it to communicate effectively in everyday situations, such as speaking to your child’s teacher, asking for information about an apartment for rent, having a job interview, or explaining a health problem to a doctor. Taking responsibility for learning French is an important decision that will facilitate your integration into Québec society.

Working in French

An adequate command of French will expand your job opportunities and enable you to be successful in your employment integration efforts. It is an essential requirement for obtaining supplementary training, passing hiring exams and finding a job.

Companies established in Québec must use French as the language of work. The Québec government offers French courses on company premises to help workers with the francization process.

Practicing a profession in Québec

To obtain a permit to practice from a professional order, you must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of French to practice your profession. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) assesses knowledge of the language using four criteria – written comprehension, oral comprehension, written expression and oral interaction.

Doing business in Québec

Given that over 80% of their market is francophone, companies must be able to communicate in French with their clients. The Charter of the French Language sets out the rules for use of French in commerce and business. The francization rules are very clear and cover public and commercial signs, product labeling, company names, commercial and advertising documentation, all communication with clients, etc.

Participate in cultural, civic and social life

Artistic creations in Québec are primarily in French in all fields involving the written or spoken word. In song, theatre, literature and film, Québec works in the French language have gained an influence and audience not only in French-speaking countries, but also throughout the world. (Source: Secrétariat de la politique linguistique – French, language of a dynamic cultural life open to the world)

Help your children succeed at school

Québec pupils receive the majority of their schooling in French. The children of immigrants usually go to French school until they finish their secondary studies. This societal choice, expressed in the Charter of the French Language, is intended to promote the integration of children into the francophone majority.

Learning French is the first step toward success in your full participation in Québec society!

To learn more Employment – regulated trades and professions Education

Useful links

• Office québécois de la langue française - Charter of the French Language
• Secrétariat de la politique linguistique:
  • La langue française au Québec - 400 ans, quelques repères (PDF, 1,320 Kb)
  • Vivre en français au Québec (PDF, 779 Kb)