Launching a website is often exciting. You think about design, speed, SEO—everything that makes you want to show your site to the whole world.
However, in Quebec, a website cannot simply be attractive and fast. It must also comply with a very specific legal framework. And that framework, even if it is not there to make your life difficult, can quickly become a headache if you ignore it.
The good news is that everything can be built in from the web design phase, without turning your project into a law course.
Law 25, or “Big Brother, but nice (in theory)”
There is no way around it. Law 25 applies as soon as your site collects data. And today, virtually all sites do—even without realizing it.
A contact form, a newsletter, or an analytics tool is enough to be affected.
You must therefore clearly explain what you do with the data. You must also obtain genuine consent, not an automatic click accepted out of habit. Then, you must be able to respond to any request for access or deletion.
In other words, your site must become transparent. And no, a makeshift cookie banner does not solve the problem.
At Arkhame, we integrate these requirements directly into our website development projects, which avoids last-minute adjustments.
French first, always, everywhere (yes, even your “submit” button)
In Quebec, French is not a suggestion. It is a requirement.
Your WordPress site must be available in French clearly and in full. This includes menus, forms, messages, and even error pages.
Since the strengthening of Law 96, checks are more frequent. Translating only halfway or leaving an interface in English can therefore become a real issue.
You can still offer an English version. However, the French version must be the reference.
To understand the requirements in detail, you can consult https://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca.
Are your newsletters legal (or just nice)?
Sending emails is simple. Sending them legally is a bit more regulated.
The Canadian Anti-Spam Law requires obtaining clear consent before any communication. It also requires a simple unsubscribe mechanism and transparent identification.
These elements may seem secondary. Yet they directly affect your company’s credibility.
A well-executed WordPress website build makes it possible to structure these aspects from the outset, without unnecessary complexity.
Accessibility: because the web is not just for developers
An accessible site is a site everyone can use. That may seem obvious, but it is not always respected.
Contrast that is too low, complicated navigation, or a poorly organized structure can make your site difficult to use.
In certain contexts, especially public ones, these standards become mandatory. They are based on WCAG standards.
You can see an overview on https://www.quebec.ca.
Integrating these best practices from the design of your website helps avoid costly fixes later.
What if you sell online?
An e-commerce site must be clear. Your visitors must quickly understand what they are buying, at what price, and under what conditions.
This means displaying your prices, delivery terms, and return policies transparently.
A vague site drives people away. A clear site converts.
That is where well-thought-out web design makes all the difference.
Web design and compliance: a duo you can no longer ignore
Today, a website is no longer just about its appearance. It must be reliable, high-performing, and compliant.
Ignoring legal obligations is taking an unnecessary risk. Conversely, integrating them from the start makes everything simpler.
At Arkhame, we design websites that combine performance and compliance. The goal is not only to create a beautiful site, but a site that stands up on every front.
In summary (no jargon, promised)
Creating a website in Quebec requires a bit more than good design. You must think about data, language, communications, and transparency.
It may seem like a lot. Yet with the right support, everything becomes smooth.
And between a site that works… and a site that works without legal stress, the choice is usually obvious.
