Quebec's music stores are sounding the alarm over proposed changes to language laws in the province.
The issue stems from permanent markings on musical instruments and accessories; most of which, similar to appliances, include labels in English only.
Under previous law, this was deemed acceptable unless related to a safety issue. However, according to the suggested article 51, "every inscription on a product, on its container or on its wrapping, or on a document or object supplied with it, including the directions for use and the warranty certificates, must be drafted in French."
Moreover, Bill 96 suggests that merchants could face fines for every day that they are in breach of the latter article.
Musicians and music lovers alike, can easily understand how this could pose a problem. A quick glance at an amplifier is the perfect example: labels like "input," "equalization," "low," "gain," and "treble," among others, would all be problematic.
Some store owners have taken the proactive route in the matter and have asked instrument manufacturers to include French labels. However, according to a recent article in La Presse, most companies have flat out refused the request.
In response, the Office québécois de la langue française has suggested it is up to merchants to ensure product labels are made available in French.
Although the Quebec government has mentioned delaying the compliance date, in a recent interview, Quebec's minister of the French language, Jean-François Roberge suggested the deadline could be as early as June 1, 2025.
Could this mark the end of the sale of certain musical instrument product lines in Quebec?