Bill C-315 would amend the Canada Labour Code with respect to language requirements that apply to federal works, undertakings and businesses operating in Quebec. For example, it would force federal works, undertakings or businesses there to use French in their communications with employees.
This item does not concern questions that are outside federal jurisdiction. As for other provisions of the Charter, it goes without saying that forcing a company to communicate with its employees in a particular language—in this case, French—could be seen as a violation of the right to freedom of expression. However, Supreme Court rulings do recognize the protection of the French fact in Quebec as a sufficiently important goal. Insofar as there is not a total prohibition—for example, if someone were being forced to communicate or advertise in French alone—and another language can be used, this bill could be considered constitutional.