WATCH: Quebec will amend its language laws this fall to force companies to add a French description to their signs.
QUEBEC CITY – Quebec will amend its language laws this fall to force companies to add a French description to their signs.
Culture Minister Hélène David said the changes could come into effect as early as 2016.
The government is responding to a court decision which sided with seven big corporations fighting to keep their English signs.
Last April, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled that Best Buy, Costco, Curves, Guess, Gap, Old Navy, Toys “R” Us and Walmart did not have to add French descriptions to their signs.
The province has chosen not to appeal that decision.
Nevertheless, the Couillard government said Tuesday it’s important for companies to respect the spirit of Bill 101.
David told reporters she estimated 20 per cent of Quebec businesses are reluctant to make the change.
She suggested her government could offer funding to help them re-design their outdoor signs.
Groups will then have 45 days to send in their briefs.
But the news isn’t sitting well with Anglo-rights groups.
The Unity Group held a press conference to denounce the Liberals’ move to strengthen Bill 101.
“I think he should ask people what they want,” said Antoinette Mercurio, the group’s president.
“He’s making a mess.”
Activists gathered in front of McGill’s main Roddick gates on Sherbrooke street to speak out in defence of retailers whose trademark names are exclusively in English.
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