Launching a website is often exciting. We think about design, speed, referencing. In short, everything that makes you want to show your site to the whole planet.
But in Quebec, a website cannot only be beautiful and fast. It must also respect a very specific legal framework. And this framework, even if it is not there to complicate your life, can quickly become a headache if you ignore it.
The good news is that everything can be integrated from the design phase. web design, without transforming your project into a law course.
Law 25 or “Big Brother, but nice (in theory)”
Impossible to escape it. The Law 25 applies as soon as your site collects data. And today, almost all sites do it, even without realizing it.
A contact form, a newsletter or an analysis tool is enough to be concerned.
So you need to clearly explain what you are doing with the data. You must also obtain real consent, not an automatic click accepted out of habit. Next, you must be able to respond to any access or deletion request.
In other words, your site must become transparent. And no, a DIY cookie strip doesn't solve the problem.
At Arkhame, we integrate these requirements directly into our design projects. website programming, which avoids last minute adjustments.
French first, always, everywhere (yes, even your “submit” button)
In Quebec, French is not a suggestion. It's an obligation.
Your website WordPress must be available in French in a clear and complete manner. This includes menus, forms, messages and even error pages.
Since the strengthening of the Law 96, checks are more frequent. Half-translating or leaving an interface in English can therefore become a real problem.
You can always offer an English version. But the French version must be the reference.
To understand the requirements in detail, you can refer https://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca.
Are your newsletters legal (or just nice)?
Sending emails is easy. Sending them legally is a little more regulated.
The Canadian anti-spam law requires clear consent to be obtained before any communication. It also requires a simple unsubscribe mechanism and transparent identification.
These elements may seem secondary. However, they directly influence the credibility of your business.
A good site creation WordPress allows these aspects to be structured from the start, without unnecessary complexity.
Accessibility: because the web is not just for developers
An accessible site is a site that everyone can use. This may seem obvious, but it is not always respected.
Too little contrast, complicated navigation or a poorly organized structure can make your site difficult to use.
In certain contexts, particularly public ones, these standards become obligatory. They are based on WCAG standards.
You can see a preview of it on https://www.quebec.ca.
Integrate these good practices from the design of your website helps avoid costly corrections later.
What if you sell online?
A transactional site must be clear. Your visitors must quickly understand what they are buying, at what price and under what conditions.
This involves displaying your prices, delivery terms and return policies transparently.
A fuzzy site scares you away. A clear site converts.
This is where a 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, efficient and compliant.
Ignoring legal obligations is taking an unnecessary risk. Conversely, integrating them from the start simplifies everything.
At Arkhame, we design sites that combine performance and compliance. The goal is not only to create a beautiful site, but a site that holds up in all respects.
In summary (no jargon, promise)
Creating a website in Quebec requires a little more than good design. You have to think about data, language, communications and transparency.
This may seem like a lot. However, with good support, everything becomes fluid.
And between a site that works… and a site that works without legal stress, the choice is generally obvious.