Importance of French in Québec

Choosing Quebec means wanting to live in a French-speaking society. According to the Charter of the French Language, French is the official and common language of Québec and its public institutions. French is the normal and usual language of:

• Work;
• Instruction;
• Business;
• Commerce;
• Daily life.

French is also the language of:

• The State;
• Legislation and justice;
• Integration;
• Intercultural communication.

While living in Québec, you will use French every day. Speaking French will allow you to interact and flourish within Québec society and to play a part in its development.

Your knowledge of French may be taken into account if you wish to immigrate to Québec permanently. Knowledge of French may also be required in some immigration programs if you wish to transition from temporary to permanent status.

To learn French in your country of residence, you can take French courses abroad.

Once in Québec, you will have several choices of courses to learn French. There are advantages to taking a Gouvernement du Québec French course.

If you are an immigrant:

• The courses focus on your integration into Québec society;
• The courses will enable you to use French in your daily life;
• The courses are free;
• You may be eligible for financial assistance;
• The courses will help you enter or stay in the job market.

If you are a Canadian-born person:

• The courses are free;
• The courses will enable you to use French in your daily life;
• The courses will help you enter or stay in the job market.

In Québec, certain professions are governed by a professional order.

It is mandatory to be a member of your professional order to work legally with the title of your profession.

To do so, you must:

• pass the French exam of the Office québécois de la langue française
• obtain a licence to practice

Consult the page Learning French to Become a Member of a Professional Order for all the details.