As we approach 2025, Quebec employers must prepare for significant legislative changes affecting their operations. These reforms encompass language requirements, workplace harassment policies, personal information protection, and medical certificate regulations.
1. Expanded Francization Requirements
Effective June 1, 2025, businesses with at least 25 employees in Quebec for a minimum of six months must comply with the Charter of the French Language. This lowers the previous threshold from 50 employees. Affected companies are required to register with the Office québécois de la langue française, assess their linguistic practices, and, if necessary, implement a francization program.
2. Strengthened Measures Against Workplace Harassment and Violence
Bill 42, enacted in 2024, broadens employer responsibilities to prevent and address psychological harassment and sexual violence. Employers must now proactively manage incidents involving clients, suppliers, and other third parties. Additionally, internal policies should be updated to include comprehensive training programs and clear procedures for reporting and investigating complaints. The legislation also introduces presumptions favoring the recognition of workplace injuries resulting from sexual violence.
3. Enhanced Whistleblower Protections and Prohibition of Amnesty Clauses
The new regulations ban amnesty clauses related to sexual misconduct, ensuring that disciplinary records for such offenses remain intact. Whistleblowers are granted increased protection against retaliation, encouraging the reporting of misconduct without fear of reprisal.
4. Updated Personal Information Protection Protocols
With the implementation of Law 25, employers must designate an individual responsible for overseeing personal information security and establish robust policies and procedures. Explicit consent is now mandatory for collecting sensitive data, including medical information. Employers wishing to retain personal data beyond its initial purpose must anonymize it by specific criteria outlined in Quebec’s Regulation respecting the anonymization of personal information.
5. Revised Medical Certificate Requirements
As of January 1, 2025, under Bill 68, employers are prohibited from requesting medical certificates for an employee’s first three absences of up to three consecutive days due to illness each year. This rule applies without exception. Furthermore, medical certificates can no longer be demanded for absences related to family matters. These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare professionals and streamline absence management.
Quebec employers should thoroughly review and adjust their policies and practices to align with these legislative changes, ensuring compliance and fostering a supportive workplace environment.