Quebec music store owners fear closure under new French-language labelling rules

The president of a national chain of musical instrument stores is warning of major disruptions in Quebec next June due to the province’s new product labelling requirements under Bill 96. This law mandates that all labels and inscriptions on musical instruments, packaging, and related materials must have a French translation.

Steve Long, president of Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, which operates 100 locations across Canada, expressed concerns about the impending changes.

"When D-Day comes, unless there are adjustments, it's going to be a very traumatic time for our stores," Long said. "We won’t be able to operate in Quebec." The chain has 18 stores in the province.

Article 51 of the new law specifies that all inscriptions on products, containers, packaging, and related documents — including usage instructions and warranty certificates — must be provided in French. However, Long noted that most of these products are imported, and English is the standard language in the industry. This applies to everything from instruments and electronics to accessories like guitar strings and reeds.

While the law is already in effect, the province has allowed time for businesses to comply, but Long believes it could severely impact the music retail industry in Quebec. "If the law is enforced strictly, there won't be any music stores left in Quebec," he warned.

Xavier Twigg, owner of Twigg Musique Montréal, echoed Long's concerns, particularly for small brands that only create one label for global distribution. "We have to do the translations ourselves," Twigg said, calling it an overwhelming task. He used reeds, which the store stocks in about 200 varieties, as an example of the complexity involved in translating packaging for individual products.

Twigg mentioned they would prioritize brands that already include French labelling. However, many American and European brands, which see Quebec as a small market, aren’t eager to adjust their packaging. "It’s about one percent of their sales," Twigg noted.

Twigg sought flexibility from Quebec’s language watchdog but said he received little help beyond being referred to the relevant laws. "It’s going to be a big challenge with less revenue," he added, emphasizing the need for exceptions for specialized stores.

According to Chantal Bouchard, spokesperson for the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), inscriptions can be in both French and another language, as long as the French version is at least as prominent. She explained that exceptions to Article 51 are possible, but they are assessed individually by the OQLF.

"If exceptions don’t apply and suppliers can’t translate the packaging, it’s up to the company to ensure products sold in Quebec comply with the law," Bouchard stated, noting the OQLF offers support throughout the francization process. She also emphasized that Quebec customers have the right to access products in French, including musical products.

The OQLF can order businesses to comply with the law or cease violations within a set timeframe. Failure to comply could result in fines.