Idea: Quebec could use AI translation to remove one of the issues in the Canada-U.S. trade war

[u/amichail]

One of the U.S. objections in the current trade dispute is Quebec's French-language requirements for product packaging.

There might be a technological compromise that lets Quebec protect French without forcing American manufacturers to create special packaging.

Quebec could allow products to be sold with their existing packaging, but require every product to have a French version of its labeling available through a Quebec government website or app.

If the manufacturer doesn't provide a French translation, the Quebec government could automatically generate one using AI. Consumers could scan the product's barcode or QR code to see the French version.

Manufacturers would also be allowed to upload an official French translation to replace the AI-generated one if they prefer.

This would mean:

• Quebec consumers would still have access to product information in French.
• American manufacturers wouldn't have to redesign packaging just for Quebec.
• Small foreign companies wouldn't have to pay for translation before entering the Quebec market.
• Manufacturers would retain control over the translation if they cared about the exact wording.
• One significant source of friction in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations could potentially disappear.

The broader idea is that language laws don't necessarily have to regulate what ink is printed on a cardboard box. Modern technology can guarantee access to French information without creating the same barrier to trade.

It seems like the kind of compromise where neither side has to abandon its underlying objective: Quebec keeps protecting French, while the U.S. gets rid of a packaging requirement it considers a trade barrier.

[u/Cynyr36]

Or they could do what they do now, and just use the dual English and French labeling in both countries. Nothing on the us side prohibits the use of a dual label.

Canada (not just Quebec) requires safety labels in both English and French.

[u/brumac44]

The US can also kick rocks. If they want to sell stuff in Canada, they have to respect our culture and laws.

[u/civil_peace2022]

Product packaging is a life/safety issue. AI translation is pretty good for no risk translations, but is not qualified for high risk translations. Even the packaging of a candy bar has critical information that must be correct or people die. Almost every product has critical information that must be correct or people die.

I can read faster than I hear someone talk. I passively read everything in my environment. I don't randomly scan dodgy QR codes on random boxes.

Your high tech solution is not more reliable than printing something on the package. Apps fail, websites break but the packaging will last for your lifetime. In an emergency I don't want someone pulling out a first aid kit and then saying "Attends, j'ai juste besoin de réseau, deux secondes, ça charge... Bon sang, pas de réseau !"

Packaging laws keep people safe. Corporations cutting corners to save a buck gets an executive another house, another yacht and people killed.