Bilingual Labelling (EN/FR) — When It’s Required in Canada
Bilingual Labelling (EN/FR) — When It’s Required (Canada)
1) Where bilingual is typically expected
- Public-facing areas: building entries, lobbies, parking facilities, schools, hospitals, transit-adjacent sites.
- Shared workplaces: warehouses, campuses, construction sites with rotating crews and visitors.
- Safety-critical messages: hazard warnings, egress/evacuation, first-aid/eyewash, traffic control routes.
- Customer-visible product labels & manuals: when you sell/provide equipment with instructions.
2) Common product types we supply in EN/FR
- Portable wet-floor signs & low-profile floor boards.
- Reflective signs & boards (parking, site traffic, wayfinding).
- Barriers, belt posts, and chain-based closures with EN/FR panels.
- Convex mirror safety notices and approach signs.
- Equipment labels (charging stations, dock equipment, bollards).
- Inspection tags and maintenance decals.
3) Quick EN/FR message templates
| English | Français | Use |
|---|---|---|
| CAUTION — WET FLOOR | ATTENTION — SOL GLISSANT | Spills/mopping |
| AREA CLOSED — AUTHORIZED STAFF ONLY | ZONE FERMÉE — PERSONNEL AUTORISÉ SEULEMENT | Restricted zones |
| FORKLIFT TRAFFIC — PROCEED WITH CAUTION | CIRCULATION DE CHARIOTS — AVANCEZ AVEC PRUDENCE | Warehouses |
| USE OTHER ENTRANCE | UTILISEZ UNE AUTRE ENTRÉE | Detours |
| NO PARKING — FIRE ROUTE | STATIONNEMENT INTERDIT — VOIE D’INCENDIE | Fire lanes |
FR/EN: Garder les deux langues de taille comparable et clairement lisibles.
4) Layout rules: order, size & contrast
- Keep both languages together on the same sign/label where space permits.
- Use equal prominence (weight, size, contrast). No “tiny French” or “tiny English.”
- For long text, use stacked lines (EN above FR or vice versa) with clear separation — or a two-column layout.
- Maintain high contrast (e.g., black/yellow, black/white) and a simple, readable font.
5) Pictograms & symbology (EN/FR)
- Pair text with a standard pictogram (slip, forklift, no-entry) to speed comprehension.
- Use consistent colours: yellow = caution, red = prohibition/emergency, green = safe route/first aid.
- FR/EN: Les pictogrammes réduisent la charge de lecture / Pictograms reduce reading load.
6) Quebec & other provincial considerations
- Quebec generally expects French to be clearly available in public communications and consumer-facing info.
- Workplace safety notices and wayfinding in public areas across Canada are commonly bilingual to serve diverse users.
- Best practice: when a site is open to the public or hosts outside contractors, use EN/FR by default.
7) Workplace labels: WHMIS/SDS & equipment
- For controlled products, ensure workers have access to labels and SDS in a language they understand (often EN/FR on Canadian sites).
- Equipment: provide basic operation/safety labels in EN/FR where misuse could create hazards.
- Training and safe-work procedures should reinforce the same messages found on labels/signs.
8) Maintenance: keep messages readable
- Clean signs/labels with mild soap + microfiber; avoid solvents that fade print.
- Replace when faded, torn, or obstructed — unreadable bilingual is the same as none.
- Use appropriate reflective sheeting for night visibility where vehicles operate.
9) Do/don’t checklist
Do
- Plan bilingual at design time, not as an afterthought.
- Keep EN & FR aligned visually and semantically.
- Use standard pictograms and high-contrast colours.
Don’t
- Mix languages across different signs when one will do.
- Hide one language in tiny type or low contrast.
- Leave critical warnings in one language only.
10) Related pages & bundles
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This page is informational and not legal advice. Bilingual communication requirements can vary by jurisdiction and context (e.g., workplace safety notices, consumer information, public signage). Public-facing and safety-critical messages are commonly provided in both English and French across Canada, and Quebec has distinct French-language expectations for public communications. When a statute, code, standard, contract, or site policy prescribes language, that document prevails. Consult your legal advisor or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific obligations.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.