Bill 58 explained in plain English

Bill 58 establishes a system to register and support Franco-Ontarian bookstores, requires publicly funded institutions to purchase French-language books only from registered stores, and prohibits predatory pricing practices in the book industry.

Bill 58, the Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act, 2025, creates a framework to support Franco-Ontarian bookstores in Ontario. The bill establishes a Registrar position under the Minister of Francophone Affairs. Bookstore owners can apply to become "accredited Franco-Ontarian bookstores" if they sell French-language books from an Ontario location, maintain a significant inventory of Franco-Ontarian books, and actively participate in Franco-Ontarian community and cultural life through events, author talks, or community partnerships. All publicly funded institutions—including government ministries and agencies, municipalities, school boards, long-term care homes, and other prescribed organizations—must purchase French-language books only from accredited Franco-Ontarian bookstores. The bill prohibits any book seller in Ontario from using predatory pricing (selling below a regulated price) or providing hidden advantages (like undisclosed discounts or book donations) to unfairly win institutional customers. Accredited bookstores that break this rule will lose their accreditation. The Minister may establish a provincial support fund to help Franco-Ontarian bookstores with digital upgrades, infrastructure, community programs, or cultural activities—but only if the Legislature appropriates money for this purpose. The bill also amends the French Language Services Act to require government agencies to actively support Franco-Ontarian cultural institutions, including bookstores. Most of the bill takes effect when it receives Royal Assent, but the mandatory purchasing requirement for publicly funded institutions comes into force six months later.