Quebec’s language will have unexpected consequences on music retailers as they brace for major changes in the new year.
As of June 2025, every label on every commercial product, from washing machines to a Marshal amplifier, will have to be translated into French.
For the retail chain, Long & McQuade, the rule hit a sour note because it means that a lot of musical instruments and equipment could be pulled from Quebec stores.
“After June 2025, we wouldn’t be allowed to sell you a Marshall amp because it says volume,” said Steve Long, the President of Long & McQuade.
In the highly specialized musical market, many, if not most, instruments are imported. Long said he suspects manufacturers would simply bypass the Quebec market if it meant labelling everything in French.
“They’ll just say, ‘I’m sorry, we won’t sell them. We won’t sell them in Quebec.’ So of course, people will …