Quebec's Bill 96: Manulife Bank updates
Background: What is Bill 96?
The Charter of the French Language is a law in the province of Quebec that defines French (the language of the majority of the population) as the official language of the provincial government.
The latest amendments to the Charter were passed in 2022 via the Act respecting French, the Official and Common Language of Quebec, commonly known as Bill 96. To be compliant with Bill 96, Manulife Bank is implementing changes for our Quebec clients, no later than June 1, 2023.
Continue reading for information on updates to our forms and legal documents for English-speaking Quebec clients.
What's new for English-speaking Quebec residents:
- Documents categorized as Contracts of Adhesion and Consumer Contracts (documents that constitute a contract for a new product or new credit) will be presented in French first and then in English.
- All impacted documents across our products are being revised to include a declaration for English-speaking Quebec clients.
- When clients sign the documents that include the declaration, they're acknowledging that they've been presented with the necessary documents in both French and English and are choosing to proceed in English.
There are no changes for French-speaking Quebec residents or clients who live outside of Quebec. English-speaking clients living outside of Quebec may see that we've added a “Quebec Residents Only” section on our applications and agreements, but it will not apply to them.
What does Bill 96 mean for English-speaking Quebec residents applying for new Manulife Bank products?
Starting June 1, 2023, English-speaking, Quebec residents will need to declare their language choice when applying for a new Manulife Bank product. This declaration will be provided on our account application systems and on our paper application forms. This language preference needs to be acknowledged for every new contract they sign starting June 1, 2023. When the client signs the document(s), they acknowledge that they've been presented with the necessary documents in both French and English and wish to continue in English.
There are no impacts to existing English-speaking, Quebec clients until they apply for a new Manulife Bank product. Any language preferences on existing accounts do not automatically apply to new accounts set up after June 1, 2023.
Mortgages: Operating Agreements
Starting June 1st, all new English-speaking applicants in Quebec:
- will receive both French and English Operating Agreements in their package, and
- will see the declaration in the "Quebec Residents Only" section of the English Operating Agreement.
English-speaking applicants living outside of Quebec:
- will receive the updated English Operating Agreement, and
- will see the declaration in the "Quebec Residents Only" section – they can disregard this section.
French-speaking clients are not impacted by these changes.
If you have questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your Manulife Bank Business Development representative.