In 1982, with the introduction of the charter, what did the law allow regarding commercial signs?

• A. It required only French and prohibited English on signs.
• B. It can require signs to use French, but cannot prohibit the use of English in addition.
• C. It required bilingual signs with equal prominence.
• D. It banned any use of English on signs.

Answer: (B)

Language rights in Canada are about promoting the majority language while protecting the rights of speakers of other languages. When the charter was introduced, laws could require French to be used on commercial signs to strengthen the French language in public life, but they could not ban English outright. In other words, signs could be required to use French, and English could also appear, but English could not be prohibited. This balance keeps French prominent while still respecting the presence of English as a minority language.