Whether on hold or stuck in an elevator, you'll be hearing more Quebec crooners from now on

Next time you take an elevator to a government office, you might be hearing fewer American pop hits and more work from Celine Dion's back catalogue.

On Sunday, the provincial Culture Ministry announced that elevator and telephone hold music used by government services, including at liquor stores and casinos, will have to feature 100 per cent Quebec artists.

"The time for royalty-free elevator music is over," said Culture Minister Nathalie Roy at a news conference on Sunday.

"I was waiting on hold with the Culture Ministry and I was stunned to hear an American singing me a little song in English," said Roy.

According to the Culture Ministry, 90 per cent of the music used that includes lyrics will be in French. The remaining 10 per cent will feature songs either in English or in Indigenous languages.

Roy also announced an investment of $1.1 million as part of an initiative to promote local music produced during the pandemic.

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