By Canadian Press

Judge suspends two articles of Quebec’s new language law regarding legal translations

Aug 12, 2022 | 11:48 AM

MONTREAL — A Quebec Superior Court judge has temporarily suspended two articles of the province’s new language law, saying they could prevent some English-speaking organizations from accessing justice through the courts.

Justice Chantal Corriveau has ruled that the sections of Bill 96 that require corporations to pay a certified translator to produce French versions of legal documents should be suspended until the court challenge can be heard on its merits.

A group of lawyers challenging the sections of the law argued that the translation requirement may lead to costs and delays that could deter some small and medium-sized entities that operate in English from accessing the courts.

Corriveau agreed that the group raised questions about whether that part of the law violates sections of the 1867 Constitution Act that guarantee access to the courts in both official languages.

The lawyers are one of several groups mounting legal challenges to Bill 96, which aims to strengthen the use of French through updated language regulations that affect businesses, junior colleges, immigration and the courts.  

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The law, which was adopted earlier this year, also proactively invokes the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Constitution to shield it from Charter challenges.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2022.

The Canadian Press