QUEBEC’S REQUIREMENT WITH REGARDS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF FRENCH IN THAT PROVINCE.

SOME OF YOU HAVE ASKED FOR INFORMATION REGARDING QUEBEC’S REQUIREMENT WITH REGARDS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF FRENCH FOR PROFESSIONAL ORDERS.
Here are the details: https://www.cmq.org/en/acc%C3%A9der-%C3%A0-la-profession/international/permis-dexercice-regulier-par-la-reconnaissance-dequivalence-du-m-d

You’ll see that the knowledge of French is a legal requirement that applies to all professional orders :

“Section 35 of the Charter of the French language stipulates that the professional orders shall not issue permits except to persons whose knowledge of the official language is appropriate to the practice of their profession.”

But there are exceptions and accommodations that are made for certain professionals that need time to fine tune their ability to speak French:

“Note that under section 37 of the Charter, a “temporary” permit may be issued. See Step 4.”

“French language proficiency
You must provide proof of French language proficiency (this link provides information about the examination, French courses and exemption criteria) or pass the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) examination.”

“In addition, under section 37 of the Charter of the French language a professional order may issue a temporary permit that is valid for one year to people from outside Quebec (M.D. from outside Quebec) who meet the requirements for the issuance of a regular permit to practice, but who do not have a working knowledge of French. This type of permit can be renewed subject to certain conditions.”

This last paragraph seems to imply that this exception only applies to physicians practicing in other provinces. There’s a question as to whether or not this applies to IMGs. The CARMS web site is not clear. Have a look: https://www.carms.ca/match/fsrm/eligibility-criteria/fsrm-summary-of-language-proficiency-requirements/#1705503695025-aa5012f8-afd0
If you click on program description under Quebec, there are no instructions regarding language.

Finally, the Medical Council of Canada web site says : “To demonstrate proficiency in French in Quebec, you must achieve a pass result on the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) examination.” https://mcc.ca/credentials-and-services/pathways-to-licensure/pathways-for-international-medical-graduates/supporting-itps-before-arrival-in-canada/

Here are the details for this Office québécois de la langue française examination: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/learn-french/professional-order/exam

Here’s the Guide to get ready for this exam. The Guide is only available in French: https://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/francisation/ordres_prof/documents/guide-information-examen.pdf

In you have any questions, contact the general information service of the Office québécois de la langue française:

Montréal area:
514 873-6565

Elsewhere in Québec (toll free):
1 888 873-6202