View source for Economy of Quebec

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{{Use Canadian English|date= November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date= November 2023}}
{{Infobox economy
| country = Quebec<ref>ISQ. "[http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/index.htm Comparaisons économiques internationales] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831074612/http://stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/index.htm |date=2009-08-31 }}" - "[http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/pdf_portrait/pays-tous.pdf Profils économiques par pays et territoire] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824060239/http://stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/pdf_portrait/pays-tous.pdf |date=2009-08-24 }}" and "[http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/pdf/tableaux-tous.pdf Tableaux comparatifs par indicateur] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229134143/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/pdf/tableaux-tous.pdf |date=2006-12-29 }}", 2009-07-07.</ref><ref>ISQ. [http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/referenc/pdf2009/QCM2009_fr.pdf Le Québec chiffres en main, édition 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515092029/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/referenc/pdf2009/QCM2009_fr.pdf |date=2011-05-15 }}, Québec, Institut de la statistique du Québec, 2009, retrieved May 17, 2009.</ref>
| image = 
| width = 
| caption = 
| currency = [[Canadian dollar]] (CAD)
| year = April 1 to March 31
| organs = [[United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement|CUSMA]], [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]],
| rank = 
| gdp = CAD$ 504,5B (2021)<ref name="ISQ">ISQ. "[https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/fichier/comptes-economiques-revenus-depenses-quebec-2022.pdf], Québec, Institut de la statistique du Québec, 2023, retrieved February 23, 2023</ref>
| growth = 
| per capita = CAD$ 52,384 (2018)<ref name="ISQ"/>
| sectors = 
| inflation = 6.2% (January 2023)
| poverty = 6.4% (2020)
| labor = 
| occupations = 
| unemployment = 6.3% (2021)<ref name="ISQ"/>
| industries = 
| exports = C$ 223,3B (2021)<br />goods: 75.7 %<br />services: 24.3 %<br />international: 61,3 % %<br />interprovincial:  38,7 %
| export-goods = [[aluminium]]<br />airplanes<br />paper<br />airplane parts<br />[[copper]] and [[alloy]]s
| export-partners = [[United States]] (72.2%)<br />[[United Kingdom]] (2.6 %)<br />[[Germany]] (2.0 %)<br />[[France]] (1.9 %)<br />[[Netherlands]] (1.8 %)
| imports = C$  234,7B (2021)<br />goods: 75.5 %<br />services: 24.5 %<br />international: 66,3 %<br />interprovincial: 33,7 %
| import-goods = [[petrol]]<br />automobiles<br />airplanes<br />trucks and [[Frame (vehicle)|frame]]s
| import-partners = United States (31.1 %)<br />[[China]] (8.3 %)<br />[[Algeria]] (8.1 %)<br />United Kingdom (7.9 %)<br />Germany (4.0 %)<br />[[Japan]] (4.0 %)
| gross external debt = 
| debt = $219.0 billion CAD(2021)<ref>ISQ. "[http://www.finances.gouv.qc.ca/en/Quebecs_debt325.asp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808065016/http://www.finances.gouv.qc.ca/en/Quebecs_debt325.asp |date=8 August 2016 }} Québec, Institut de la statistique du Québec, 2021, retrieved February 23, 2023</ref>
| revenue = 
| expenses = 
| foreign reserves = 
| aid = 
| credit = 
| cianame = 
| spelling = 
}}
[[File:Bank of Montreal 1 db.jpg|thumb|[[Bank of Montreal]] headquarters in Old Montreal's [[Place d'Armes (Montréal)|Place d'Armes]]]]
[[File:AirCanadaHQMontreal.jpg|thumb|Headquarters of [[Air Canada]]]]

The '''economy of Quebec''' is diversified and [[Post-industrial society|post-industrial]] with an average potential for growth.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/subscribe.jsp?art=1240146 |title=Few bumps in la belle province's recession ride |last=Scofield |first=Heather |work=Globe and Mail |date=2009 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It is highly integrated with the economies of the rest of Canada and the United States. Manufacturing and service sectors dominate the economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/comparaisons_econo/pdf/quebec_monde.pdf|title=Institut de la statistique du Québec|work=Gouvernement du Québec|date=3 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104184649/http://stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/comparaisons_econo/pdf/quebec_monde.pdf|archive-date=4 November 2010}}</ref>

The economic heart of Quebec is the Montreal metropolitan area where half of Quebecers live. This region alone accounts for 53.4% of the province's gross domestic product (GDP), followed by the Quebec City metropolitan area (11.4%), Gatineau (3.2%), Sherbrooke (2.2%), Saguenay (1.9%) and Trois-Rivières (1.8%). In total, Quebec's GDP at market prices was CAD 381 billion or [[List of Canadian provinces and territories by gross domestic product|19%]] of [[Economy of Canada|Canada's GDP]].

For 2022-23, Quebec's budget was C$136.6 billion.<ref>[https://www.rcgt.com/en/insights/expert-advice/2022-2023-quebec-budget-assistance-reduce-inflationary-pressure/]</ref> This budget planned to provide $8,9 billion more to the healthcare sector over 5 years.<ref>[http://www.budget.finances.gouv.qc.ca/budget/2017-2018/index.asp "Budget"]</ref><ref>[http://cdeacf.ca/actualite/2017/03/29/quebec-depose-budget-2017-2018 "Québec dépose son budget"]</ref> Like most [[industrialized countries]], the economy of Quebec is based mainly on the [[services sector]]. Quebec's economy has traditionally been fuelled by abundant natural resources, well-developed infrastructure, and average productivity. The provincial GDP in 2021 was C$504,5&nbsp;billion,<ref name="Grossdomestic20102">{{cite web|author=Statistics Canada|date=November 4, 2010|title=Gross domestic product, expenditure-based, by province and territory|url=http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/econ15-eng.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115061422/http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/econ15-eng.htm|archive-date=January 15, 2011|access-date=February 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> making Quebec the second largest economy in Canada after Ontario.

The provincial [[debt-to-GDP ratio]] peaked at 50.7% in [[fiscal year]] 2012–2013, is now resting at 38.1 in 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Net debt of governments in Canada as at March 31, 2022 |url=http://www.finances.gouv.qc.ca/department/Public_finance/quebec_debt/comparisons.asp |access-date=2023-02-23}}</ref> and is projected to decline to 34% in 2023–2024.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 January 2020|title=Canadian Federal and Provincial Fiscal Tables|url=http://www.rbc.com/economics/economic-reports/pdf/canadian-fiscal/prov_fiscal.pdf|access-date=18 January 2020|website=Economic Reports|publisher=Royal Bank of Canada}}</ref> The [[credit rating]] of Quebec is currently [[Credit rating|Aa2]] according to the [[Moody's]] agency.<ref name="Aa22">{{cite web|title=Dette: le Québec, cancre d'une classe surdouée|url=http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201107/28/01-4421562-dette-le-quebec-cancre-dune-classe-surdouee.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812175444/http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201107/28/01-4421562-dette-le-quebec-cancre-dune-classe-surdouee.php|archive-date=August 12, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011|publisher=Cyberpresse}}</ref> In June 2017, [[Standard & Poor's]] (S&P) rated Quebec as an AA− credit risk, surpassing Ontario for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|date=June 16, 2017|title=Quebec credit rating surpasses Ontario for first time ever|url=http://www.canoe.com/Canoe/Money/2017/06/16/22731797.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621041152/http://www.canoe.com/Canoe/Money/2017/06/16/22731797.html|archive-date=June 21, 2017|access-date=June 17, 2017|website=canoe.com|publisher=Postmedia}}</ref>
[[File:Edifice_quebec_INRS.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Institut national de la recherche scientifique]] helps to advance scientific knowledge and to train a new generation of students in various scientific and technological sectors. More than one million Quebecers work in the field of science and technology which represents more than 30% of Quebec's GDP.]]
Quebec's economy has undergone tremendous changes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perspective revue d'analyse économique|url=http://www.desjardins.com/fr/a_propos/etudes_economiques/previsions/en_perspective/per1003.pdf|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=caisse desjardins}}</ref> Firmly grounded in the [[knowledge economy]], Quebec has one of the highest growth rate of GDP in Canada. The knowledge sector represents about 31% of Quebec's GDP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Le Québec : une économie dynamique|url=http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/contenu/publications/etudes_statistiques/innovation/economie_savoir.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706202311/http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/contenu/publications/etudes_statistiques/innovation/economie_savoir.pdf|archive-date=July 6, 2011|access-date=February 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Quebec|language=fr}}</ref> In 2011, Quebec experienced faster growth of its [[Research and development|research-and-development]] (R&D) spending than other Canadian provinces.<ref>{{cite web|title=L'expertise québécoise en haute technologie|url=http://www.investquebec.com/fr/index.aspx?page=340|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527131408/http://www.investquebec.com/fr/index.aspx?page=340|archive-date=May 27, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Investissement Québec}}</ref> Quebec's spending in R&D in 2021 was equal to C$4.1B or, above the [[European Union]] average of 1.8%.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sauvé, Mathieu-Robert|date=May 19, 2010|title=Une cible de 3% pour la science|url=https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/science-et-technologie/289219/une-cible-de-3-pour-la-science|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808152509/http://www.ledevoir.com/societe/science-et-technologie/289219/une-cible-de-3-pour-la-science|archive-date=August 8, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|publisher=LeDevoir online newspaper|language=fr}}</ref> The percentage spent on research and technology is the highest in Canada and higher than the averages for the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] and [[G7]] countries.<ref>{{cite web|author=Le Cours, Rudy|date=July 30, 2010|title=L'économie du savoir en mutation au Québec|url=http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201007/30/01-4302438-leconomie-du-savoir-en-mutation-au-quebec.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730221229/http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201007/30/01-4302438-leconomie-du-savoir-en-mutation-au-quebec.php|archive-date=July 30, 2010|access-date=July 11, 2011|publisher=La Presse Affaire, Cyberpresse|language=fr}}</ref> Approximately 1.1&nbsp;million Quebecers work in the field of science and technology.<ref name="R&D2">{{cite web|author=Investissement Québec|title=The Benefits of Investing in Québec Research & Development|url=http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=336|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527123940/http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=336|archive-date=May 27, 2011|access-date=February 23, 2011|publisher=IQ Investquebec}}</ref>

==Economic policies==

===Environmental and energy policy===
{{see also|List of protected areas of Quebec|Plug-in electric vehicles in Quebec}}
[[File:Malbaie River in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, Quebec, Canada.jpg|right|thumb|[[Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park]], [[Malbaie River]] ]]

Since 2006, Quebec has a green plan in order to achieve the objective of the [[Kyoto protocol]] on climate change.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/changements/plan_action/2006-2012_fr.pdf|title=Le Québec et les changements climatiques: un défi pour l'avenir. Plan d'action 2006–2012}}</ref> The ''Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec'' (Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks) is primarily responsible for implementing environmental policy. For its part, the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) is the lead agency for the management of national parks and wildlife reserves. Quebec currently protects nearly 8.12% (135,326&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of its territory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/environnement/2009/03/29/001-aires-proteges-quebec.shtml |title=Québec atteint son objectif |author=Presse Canadienne |publisher=Radio-Canada online |access-date=July 14, 2011 |language=fr}}</ref> The first protected area was the creation of Mt. Royal Park in 1876 followed by the [[Mont-Tremblant National Park]] in 1894.

The Quebec government has been working to introduce the [[electric car]] since 1994, including contributing financing for technologies such as the [[TM4 Electrodynamic Systems|TM4 MФTIVE]], an electric motor designed and manufactured in Quebec.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ledevoir.com/2008/01/15/171841.html |work=Le Devoir |location=Canada |title=Moteur-roue: Volvo dans les traces d'Hydro |first=Louis-Gilles |last=Francoeur |date=January 15, 2009 |language=fr |access-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925213240/http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/01/15/171841.html |archive-date=September 25, 2008 }}</ref> [[Hydro-Québec]] has recently tested more than 50 [[i-MiEV]] in order to gradually introduce the [[charging station]]s across the province. This is the largest pilot test of electric cars in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.journalmetro.com/linfo/article/742246--voitures-electriques-un-plan-d-action-devoile-sous-peu|title= Voitures électriques: un plan d'action dévoilé sous peu|access-date= 2014-03-30|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120317152829/http://www.journalmetro.com/linfo/article/742246--voitures-electriques-un-plan-d-action-devoile-sous-peu|archive-date= 2012-03-17|url-status= dead}}</ref> Quebec was the first province in Canada to allow the [[ZENN]] car to drive on the roads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogueauto.branchez-vous.com/2008/07/la_zenn_sur_les_routes_du_qube.html |title=La ZENN sur les routes du Québec: 125 km/h dès l'automne 2009 |author=Crépault, Michel |publisher=Branchezvous.com |date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807234352/http://blogueauto.branchez-vous.com/2008/07/la_zenn_sur_les_routes_du_qube.html |archive-date=August 7, 2010 }}</ref> During the inaugural speech of 2011, [[Jean Charest]] announced five priorities for the next 30 years including the [[Plan Nord]] and called for a revolution in electric cars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fr.canoe.ca/infos/quebeccanada/archives/2011/02/20110223-143033.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717045505/http://fr.canoe.ca/infos/quebeccanada/archives/2011/02/20110223-143033.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=LUne quinzaine de promesses de la part de Jean Charest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.branchez-vous.com/info/actualite/2011/02/discours_inaugural_les_5_prior.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226225539/http://www.branchez-vous.com/info/actualite/2011/02/discours_inaugural_les_5_prior.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-02-26|title=Discours inaugural: les 5 priorités de Jean Charest}}</ref>

On November 23, 2009, Premier Jean Charest announced targets for reducing [[greenhouse gases]] during the [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference|United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen]]. Quebec will cut its emissions by 20% by the year 2020 compared to international reference of 1990. On January 14, 2010, a new law came into force to reduce greenhouse gases from automobiles which represent 40% of Quebec GHGs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/actualites/environnement/200912/29/01-934788-ges-le-quebec-sera-aussi-severe-que-la-californie-a-la-mi-janvier.php |title=Lise Millette : GES: le Québec sera aussi sévère que la Californie à la mi-janvier &#124; Environnement |publisher=Cyberpresse.ca |access-date=January 5, 2012}}</ref> This new law stipulates that car manufacturers serving the territory of Quebec must meet an emission ceiling of 187&nbsp;grams of GHG/km or approximatively 7.7&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km. This level must be reduced annually up to 127&nbsp;grams of GHG/km or approximatively 5.3&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km in 2016. These standards are as stringent as those in California (United States), according to the Government of Quebec.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberpresse.ca/environnement/pollution/201003/31/01-4266352-emissions-de-ges-des-vehicules-ottawa-et-washington-sentendent.php |title=Émissions de GES des véhicules: Ottawa et Washington s'entendent |publisher=Cyberpresse.ca |access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> The provincial government plans to offer up to $8,000 rebate towards the purchase of an electric car. The government hopes that by 2020, a quarter of cars purchased in Quebec will be electric.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2011/04/07/001-quebec-voiture-electrique.shtml|title=Québec dévoile son plan d'action en matière de transport électrique|publisher=Radio-Canada |access-date=April 7, 2011}}</ref> The plan would position Quebec as a world leader in electrified transportation according to Jean Charest.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-champions-electric-cars-1.1116916 |title=Quebec champions electric cars Decade-long plan encourages Quebecers to consider investing in electric vehicles |publisher=CBC |date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410181556/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/04/07/electric-cars-quebec.html |archive-date=April 10, 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Tata Indica EV Engine bay.jpg|left|thumb|[[Tata Indica]] EV engine bay featuring [[TM4 Electrodynamic Systems|TM4 MФTIVE]] electric motor]] 
Quebec became the first region{{Citation needed|reason=Technically, Alberta was the first in March of 2007|date=February 2023}} in North America to set a [[carbon tax]]. Since 2007, consumers pay a special tax on gasoline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Economie-Affaires/2007/10/01/001-taxe-carbone-debut.shtml|title=Le Québec, société distincte|publisher=Radio-Canada|date= April 7, 2011|access-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> Since July 2011, Quebec has imposed a carbon tax that affect more than 85% of industries in the province. This tax will be mandatory from 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ledevoir.com/environnement/actualites-sur-l-environnement/326922/ges-feu-vert-au-plan-de-reduction|title=GES: feu vert au plan de réduction|work=Le Devoir |location=Canada |date= April 7, 2011|access-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> The sectors affected by this carbon tax will have to reduce their [[carbon dioxide]] below 25 000 kilotonnes per year. Only the forest industry, agriculture and waste industries are not affected by this tax.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cyberpresse.ca/environnement/201107/06/01-4415642-ges-les-consommateurs-devront-payer-plus-reconnait-quebec.php|title=GES: les consommateurs devront payer plus, reconnaît Québec|publisher=Cyberpresse|date= July 6, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> In addition, the Quebec government plans to recover 60% of putrescible organic matter by 2015 in order to reduce its emissions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.journalmetro.com/linfo/article/813014--montreal-a-identifie-ses-sites-de-compostage-et-de-biomethanisation|title=Montréal a identifié ses sites de compostage et de biométhanisation|publisher=Journal Métro|access-date=April 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727080538/http://www.journalmetro.com/linfo/article/813014--montreal-a-identifie-ses-sites-de-compostage-et-de-biomethanisation|archive-date=July 27, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Quebec climate policy has been harshly criticised by the federal government under Prime minister [[Stephen Harper]]. In 2010, former minister [[Jim Prentice]] has openly criticized Quebec's plan to set GHG standards for motor vehicles sold in the province, describing it as "lunatic".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lapresse.ca/environnement/201004/01/01-4266609-ges-des-vehicules-quebec-crie-victoire-.php|title=GES des véhicules: Québec crie victoire|first=Tommy|last=Chouinard|date=April 1, 2010|via=www.lapresse.ca}}</ref> However, ten months later, Prentice successor, [[John Baird (Canadian politician)|John Baird]], has praised Quebec as a world leader in GHG abatement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/environnement/2010/12/09/001-cancun-baird-provinces.shtml |title=Le ministre Baird lance des fleurs aux provinces |author=Radio-Canada |publisher=Radio-Canada online |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Electric vehicles ===
Quebec is a leader in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada and beyond. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Quebec had the highest number of EV registrations in the first quarter of 2022, with 7,522 vehicles. This accounted for 9.2% of the total new vehicle registrations in the province. Quebec was followed by Ontario, with 5,688 EV registrations (4.2% of total) and British Columbia, with 5,385 EV registrations (12.5% of total). The latter number includes the territories.

Quebec also led the country in EV market share for the whole year of 2022, with 36.7% of new vehicle registrations being electric. Ontario was second, with 31.5%, and B.C. was third, with 23.9%. These three provinces accounted for over 90% of the total EV registrations in Canada in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2023-01-24 |title=The Daily — New motor vehicle registrations, third quarter 2022 |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230124/dq230124a-eng.htm |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www150.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarratt |first=Emma |date=2023-02-13 |title=Canada's ZEV registrations exceeded 10 per cent in Q4 2022 |url=https://electricautonomy.ca/2023/02/13/canada-zev-sales-q4-2022/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Electric Autonomy Canada |language=en-CA}}</ref> Quebec's high EV market share can be attributed to several factors, such as its abundant hydroelectricity, its rich mineral resources, its strong government support, and its competitive fuel economy and cost.

The province has set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, put 1.5 million EVs on the road in Quebec by 2030, and electrify 55% of city buses and 65% of school buses by 20301. To support these goals, the Quebec government has announced various measures in the recent budget for 2022–2023.

One of these measures is a reduction in rebates available for the purchase of EVs, from $8,000 to $6,000 for new vehicles and from $4,000 to $3,000 for used vehicles. This decision reflects the growing demand and affordability of EVs in the province, as well as the need to ensure the sustainability of the program. However, the government has also allocated new funds for EV charging infrastructure and building out the province's EV battery supply chain.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced nearly $30 million in funding for the installation of more than 1,500 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Quebec.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Natural Resources |title=Minister Wilkinson Announces Federal Investment for Over 1,500 New EV Chargers Across Quebec |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/minister-wilkinson-announces-federal-investment-for-over-1-500-new-ev-chargers-across-quebec-840825311.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en}}</ref> The Quebec government announced that they are adding more than 116,000 additional charging stations to the province by investing more than $514 million over the next five years (2023-2028).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quebec government to invest $514M in electric vehicle charging stations - Montreal {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9945768/quebec-government-investment-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> This will increase the accessibility and convenience of EV charging for drivers and reduce range anxiety across the province.

=== Battery supply chain ===
{{main|Battery industry in Quebec}}
Quebec is on track to become a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, thanks to its ambitious strategy to develop a domestic battery supply chain. The province has several advantages, such as abundant hydroelectricity, rich mineral resources, and strong government support, that make it an attractive destination for EV battery manufacturing and related activities.

The Quebec government has been actively promoting the adoption of EVs in the province and has allocated new funds for EV charging infrastructure and battery supply chain development. [[Investissement Québec]], the province's investment arm, acts as a venture capitalist and provides substantial backing for critical mineral projects, giving a vote of confidence and enticing private capital. The province's battery sector development strategy, the [https://www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/contenu/documents_soutien/hors_quebec/sommaire_Industrie_batterie.pdf Stratégie québécoise de développement de la filière batterie], aims to develop a comprehensive battery supply chain in Quebec by acting as a catalyst for the sector's value chain.

Quebec has also attracted several major investments from global players in the battery industry. For instance, [[Northvolt]] has confirmed its joining Canada's EV battery manufacturing ecosystem with a 170-hectare, $7-billion, 60 GWh-capacity site, enough to power roughly one million EVs a year, that will provide 3,000 jobs in the [[McMasterville]] and [[Saint-Basile-le-Grand]] area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarratt |first=Emma |date=2023-09-28 |title=Northvolt reaches deal on a $7-billion Quebec battery cell factory |url=https://electricautonomy.ca/2023/09/28/northvolt-quebec-battery-cell-factory/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Electric Autonomy Canada |language=en-CA}}</ref> [[Ford Motor Company|Ford Motor Co]] and Korean companies EcoProBM and [[SK Innovation|SK On]] have announced that they will build a C$1.2 billion ($887 million) plant to produce EV battery materials in [[Bécancour, Quebec|Becancour]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=EcoProBM, SK On, Ford Investing in Québec; Building Cathode Plant to Solidify EV supply chain in North America {{!}} Ford Media Center |url=https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/08/17/ecoprobm--sk-on--ford-investing-in-quebec--building-cathode-plan.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=media.ford.com}}</ref> [[BASF]] has announced that it plans to build a factory in Quebec to produce cathode active materials with production expected to start by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BASF acquires site for North American battery materials and recycling expansion in Canada |url=https://www.basf.com/ca/en/media/News-Releases/2022/basf-acquires-site-for-north-american-battery-materials-and-recy.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.basf.com |language=en-CA}}</ref> Finally, the governments of Quebec and Canada are working closely with Volta Energy Solutions Canada Inc. (VESC) on the establishment of a new copper foil facility in [[Granby, Quebec|Granby]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Volta Energy Solutions |title=A major step forward for the local EV battery production chain - Volta Energy Solutions launches Canada's first copper foil plant in Granby, Quebec |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/a-major-step-forward-for-the-local-ev-battery-production-chain-volta-energy-solutions-launches-canada-s-first-copper-foil-plant-in-granby-quebec-868050927.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en}}</ref> Copper foils are a core, high-value component in EV batteries, and this new installation will yet again reinforce Canada and Quebec's position as a key destination for the future of EV manufacturing.

These initiatives will help Quebec achieve its goal of developing its own complete domestic battery ecosystem and supporting clean technologies. Quebec is poised to become a leader in the EV industry and contribute to the global transition towards a low-carbon economy.

==Most productive sectors==

===Aerospace===
Québec is one of the world's top three aerospace capitals, along with [[Seattle]] and [[Toulouse]].<ref name="wwwiq.azurewebsites.net">{{Cite web |title=Québec is one of the global leaders in the aerospace industry |url=https://wwwiq.azurewebsites.net/international/en/industries/aerospace.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=wwwiq.azurewebsites.net |language=en}}</ref> It has major contractors, leading technical centres and world-class equipment manufacturers in this sector. Québec's aerospace industry employs over 36,000 people, mostly in the Montréal area, which is home to one of the world's largest aerospace [[Clusters of Innovation|clusters]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Montreal's Aerospace Industry |url=https://www.mcgill.ca/miae/about/montrealaerospace |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=McGill Institute for Aerospace Engineering (MIAE) |language=en}}</ref> It also has a strong presence in other regions, such as [[Quebec City|Québec City]], [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]], [[Estrie]] and [[Mauricie]].<ref name="wwwiq.azurewebsites.net"/> Québec's aerospace industry is recognized for its innovative drive and creativity. It invests over $700 million in [[Research and development|R&D]] annually, which represents 70% of Canada's aerospace [[Research and development|R&D]] spending.<ref name="wwwiq.azurewebsites.net"/> It has close ties with universities, technical colleges and research centres that train and support the next generation of aerospace professionals. [[Montreal]] boasts a wide array of airlines, manufacturers, and international organizations. It hosts the headquarters of [[Air Canada]] (the flagship airline of Canada) and [[Bombardier Inc.|Bombardier]] (the world's third largest aircraft manufacturer). Additionally, jet engine companies [[Pratt & Whitney]] and [[Rolls-Royce North America|Rolls-Royce Canada]], defence contractor [[Lockheed Martin]] and [[L-3 Communications]], flight simulator builder [[CAE Inc.|CAE]], helicopter manufacturer [[Bell Helicopter]] and [[SITA (business services company)|SITA]] have a significant presence in and around the city. Since Montreal is located in the heart of a vast free trade zone governed by the former [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), now called the [[United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement|USMCA]], it gives companies access to a market of about 500 million consumers worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2015 |title=The Biggest Global Aviation/Aerospace Clusters |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2015/11/11/the-biggest-global-aviationaerospace-clusters/ |website=airlinegeeks}}</ref> Various international organisations have established their headquarters in Quebec, notably the [[International Air Transport Association]] and the [[International Civil Aviation Organization]].

=== Video games ===
Quebec is home to over 280 studios, making it one of the top five game development hubs in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greater Montréal - 5th video game hub in the world |url=https://www.montrealinternational.com/en/news/greater-montreal-5th-video-game-hub-in-the-world/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Montréal International |language=en}}</ref> [[Canada]] has around 937 active studios, meaning Quebec accounts for over one-quarter of the country's total game dev workforce.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Home |url=https://canadasvideogameindustry.ca/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Canada's Video Game Industry |language=en-US}}</ref> On top of that, the study notes that 86 percent of the studios are Quebec-owned. This means that for all of the big-name international companies that have locations in Quebec, including [[Ubisoft]] ([[Assassin's Creed]])'','' [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros]]. (''[[Gotham Knights (video game)|Gotham Knights]]'') and [[Electronic Arts|EA]] (''[[Dead Space]]''), there are many more that are independent or locally owned, including [[Behaviour Interactive|Behaviour]] (''[[Dead by Daylight]]''), Sabotage (''[[Sea of Stars]]''), Red Barrels (''[[Outlast]]'') and Manavoid (''[[Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan|Rainbow Billy]]''). Besides lucrative [[tax credit]]s to encourage game development in the province, the study notes that the province's links to both the [[United States]] and [[Europe]], as well as high standards of living and [[multiculturalism]], help make it a natural location for expansion. For example, [[Ubisoft Montreal]], one of the oldest and biggest game development studios in the world, opened in the province in 1997 as an expansion to Ubisoft's early France-based operations. Behaviour was another early key player in the Quebec gaming industry in the '90s.

=== Artificial Intelligence ===
[[Quebec]] is a province that has embraced artificial intelligence as a key driver of innovation and economic growth. Its financial capital city, [[Montreal]], is home to a thriving AI ecosystem that includes the world's largest concentration of academic researchers in deep learning at Mila,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Mila |url=https://mila.quebec/en/mila/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Mila |language=en-US}}</ref> the Quebec artificial intelligence institute. Led by renowned experts such as [[Yoshua Bengio]], [[Joëlle Pineau|Joelle Pineau]], Hugo Larochelle, and Irina Rish, Mila collaborates with industry partners and government agencies to advance AI research and applications for the common good and ethics. Montreal is also a global hub for artificial intelligence research with many companies involved in this sector, such as [[Facebook]] AI Research (FAIR), [[Microsoft Research]], [[Google Brain]], [[DeepMind]], [[Samsung Research]] and [[Thales Group]] (cortAIx).<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindeman |first=Tracey |date=May 9, 2017 |title=How Montreal became the world's leading AI and deep learning hub |url=https://www.ibm.com/blogs/insights-on-business/ibmix/montreal-became-worlds-leading-ai-deep-learning-hub |access-date=September 29, 2018}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=High |first=Peter |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Why Montreal Has Emerged As An Artificial Intelligence Powerhouse |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhigh/2017/11/06/why-montreal-has-emerged-as-an-artificial-intelligence-powerhouse |access-date=September 29, 2018}}.</ref> The city also hosts Scale AI, Canada's AI global innovation cluster that funds and supports AI projects for supply chains, and IVADO, a unique institute that connects researchers and businesses to develop AI solutions. Quebec's AI industry has attracted major investments from the Canadian government, such as the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, and from global companies, such as [[Google]], [[Facebook]], [[Microsoft]], and [[IBM]]. Quebec's AI industry benefits from a strong foundation in academic excellence. Several world-renowned universities, including the [[Université de Montréal]] and [[McGill University]], have established themselves as leading centers for AI research. These institutions have been instrumental in nurturing top AI talent, which has played a crucial role in the industry's growth.

=== Engineering ===
The engineering industry in Quebec is one of the most important and influential sectors in the province's economy and society. It has a long and rich history that dates back to the colonial era, when engineers played a key role in building and developing the infrastructure and public works of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Engineering {{!}} The Canadian Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/history-of-engineering |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}</ref> Since then, the engineering industry in Quebec has evolved and diversified, offering a wide range of services and expertise in various fields such as transportation, energy, environment, construction, and manufacturing.

Quebec is home to many engineering firms that operate locally and internationally, providing consulting, design, project management, and construction services to clients from different sectors and regions. Some of the largest and most prominent engineering firms in Quebec are [[WSP Global]] and [[AtkinsRéalis]] (formerly SNC- Lavalin), both headquartered in [[Montreal]]. These two firms have been involved in some of the most iconic and complex projects in the world, such as the [[Champlain Bridge (Montreal, 2019–present)|Samuel De Champlain Bridge]], the [[Réseau express métropolitain]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Main partners |url=https://rem.info/en/partners |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=REM |language=en}}</ref> the Line at [[Neom|NEOM]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=SNC-Lavalin |title=SNC-Lavalin secures Delivery Partner role for THE LINE, NEOM's flagship urban development in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/snc-lavalin-secures-delivery-partner-role-for-the-line-neom-s-flagship-urban-development-in-saudi-arabia-870826725.html |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en}}</ref> the [[Marina Bay Sands]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/projects/marina-bay-sands-resort |access-date=2023-11-15}}</ref> [[Shanghai Tower]], [[One World Trade Center]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engineering global high-rise landmarks |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/sectors/high-rise |access-date=2023-11-15}}</ref> and the [[Taiwan High Speed Rail|Taiwan High Speed Rail line]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Program and Project Management |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-gl/services/program-and-project-management |access-date=2023-11-15}}</ref>

Quebec's engineering industry stands as a robust sector, actively contributing to the development and innovation across various fields. Its role in the province's and the country's economic and social progress is significant. Continuously adapting to societal and environmental changes, this industry consistently seeks new opportunities and addresses challenges. With a proud history and a focus on achievements, it maintains an optimistic and forward-looking approach, envisioning a promising future.

===Finance===
The Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing industry employs 218,000 people,<ref name="SC">Statistics Canada</ref> including the largest money manager in Canada, [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]]. The Bank of Montreal, founded in 1817 in Montreal, was Quebec's first bank but, like many other large banks, its central branch is now in Toronto. Several banks remain under Quebecois control, including the National Bank of Canada, the Desjardins Group and the Laurentian Bank.

===Transportation===
Quebec's ground transportation industry generated $7.2 billion in revenue at the beginning of 2004. It employs some 35,000 people and includes major original equipment manufacturers such as [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]], [[Paccar]], [[Nova Bus]], [[Prévost CAR]], [[Komatsu International]], and many suppliers and sub-contractors.

Quebec has eight deepwater ports for merchandise shipping, and in 2003 9.7 million tons of merchandise was carried by 3,886 cargo ships through the [[Saint Lawrence Seaway]]. The income created by this traffic is over $90 million per annum.

The [[Port of Montreal]] is the second biggest container handling port in Canada. Located on one of the largest navigable rivers in the world, the [[Saint Lawrence River]], it is the third largest port in northeastern North America. Annual revenues of about $2 billion are created, along with 17,600 direct and indirect jobs.

Besides [[Montreal]], other deepwater ports are located in [[Trois-Rivières]] and [[Bécancour, Quebec|Bécancour]], as well as in [[Sorel-Tracy]], [[Baie-Comeau]], [[Port-Cartier, Quebec|Port-Cartier]] and [[Sept-Îles, Quebec|Sept-Îles]]. The last four ports specialise in handling bulk cargo and heavy merchandise.

===Information technology===
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2009}}
Quebec's [[information technology]] employed over 100,000 workers in 2008. Of the total Canadian [[Venture capital financing|venture capital funding]] 52% is managed in Quebec with 61% of available funds invested in technology. Sectors of note include [[telecommunications]], [[multimedia]] software, computer services and consulting, [[microelectronics]] and components. Its largest city,

Some 10,000 people work for 115 telecommunication companies such as [[Bell Canada]], [[Ericsson]], [[Motorola]], and [[Mitec]].

The multimedia sector was enhanced by [[Electronic Arts]] in 2003. Some 11,000<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.investquebec.com/international/en/industries/multimedia/the-video-game-explosion.html|title=The video game explosion {{!}} Investissement Québec|website=www.investquebec.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-19}}</ref> people work for game development companies such as [[Ubi Soft|Ubisoft]], [[Microïds]], [[Strategy First]], [[Artificial Mind and Movement|A2M]], and [[Eidos Interactive]].

Montreal has two major creators of 3D animation software: [[Softimage (company)|Softimage]] and [[Autodesk Media and Entertainment|Autodesk Media and Entertainment Division]].

The computer services, software development, and consulting branch employs 60,000 specialized workers.

The microelectronics sector has 110 companies employing 12,900 people.

===Optics and photonics===
In 2004, some 8000 people were employed in the Quebec optics and photonics industries. Research-related jobs are concentrated chiefly in the seven Quebec City region research centres, while production operations are mostly located in the Greater Montreal area. Quebec counts some 20 businesses in the [[laser]], [[optical fibre]], [[image processing]], and related sectors.

===Biotechnology===
The biotechnology sector in [[Quebec]] includes more than 450 companies and organizations. Employing over 25,000 individuals and generating $5.6 billion in annual revenues, it encompasses a diverse array of players, from multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutes, universities, and healthcare institutions.

Global players, including [[Pfizer]], [[Moderna]], [[Novartis]], and [[Merck & Co.|Merck]], have strategically established their roots within Quebec's borders. [[Pfizer]] stands tall in Quebec with its Canadian headquarters nestled in [[Kirkland, Quebec|Kirkland]], alongside other offices in [[Montreal]], [[Mississauga]], and [[Brandon, Manitoba|Brandon]]. Pfizer's legacy in developing small molecules, vaccines, and biologics extends across diverse therapeutic areas, from oncology to rare diseases and immunology. [[Moderna]], a biotech firm, has chosen [[Quebec]] as the site for its first-ever plant outside the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moderna coming to Laval: A turning point for the life sciences sector |url=https://www.montrealinternational.com/en/news/moderna-coming-to-quebec-a-turning-point-for-the-life-sciences-sector/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Montréal International |language=en}}</ref> [[Novartis]] boasts a significant Quebec presence through its divisions, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., with headquarters in [[Kirkland, Quebec|Kirkland]] and a [[Toronto]] location. Quebec is also home to [[Sandoz]] Canada Inc., a generic drug manufacturing subsidiary with an office in [[Boucherville]]. Finally, [[Merck & Co.|Merck]], a global biopharmaceutical juggernaut, maintains two critical divisions in [[Canada]]. Merck Canada Inc., headquartered in [[Kirkland, Quebec|Kirkland]], reinforces Quebec's position in the biotechnology landscape, while Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. in [[Montreal]] serves as a pivotal research and development center.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

===Health industry===
With 381 companies and 24,550 employees in the pharmaceutical, research and development, manufacturing, and related sectors, the Quebec health industry is one of the most important economic stimuli of modern Quebec. With the presence of some 20 multinationals such as [[Merck & Co.|Merck]], [[Johnson & Johnson]], [[Pfizer]], [[Aventis]], [[Novartis]], [[Valeant]], [[Galderma]]. [[GlaxoSmithKline]] and [[Bristol-Myers Squibb]], Montreal ranks eighth in North America for the number of jobs in the pharmaceutical sector.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

===Tourism===
{{See also|Tourism in Quebec}}
[[File:Place Royale at night, Vieux-Québec, Quebec ville, Canada.jpg|thumb|[[Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Quebec City|Notre-Dame-des-Victoires]], Basse-Ville]]
Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Quebec. Tourism represents 2.5% of Quebec's GDP and nearly 400,000 people are employed in the tourism sector.<ref name="Tourisme">{{cite book|url=http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/Tourisme-chiffres2010.pdf|title=Le tourisme en chiffres édition 2010|publisher=Gouvernement du Québec|date=March 31, 2011|access-date=April 1, 2011|archive-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728010657/http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/Tourisme-chiffres2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nearly 30,000 businesses are related to this industry, of which 70% are located outside of [[Montreal]] and [[Quebec City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/tourisme/?lang=fr|title=Tourisme au Québec|publisher=Gouv.qc.ca |access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> In 2011, Quebec welcomed 26 million foreign tourists, most of them from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, [[Mexico]] and Japan.<ref name="Tourisme"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/referenc/qcem/qcem_eco_tou.htm|title=TOURISTES97 ET DÉPENSES DES TOURISTES, 2008|publisher=Gouv.qc.ca|access-date=February 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515090525/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/publications/referenc/qcem/qcem_eco_tou.htm|archive-date=May 15, 2011}}</ref>

The province of Quebec has 22 tourist regions, each of which presents its geography, its history and culture. The capital, Quebec City, is the only [[fortified city]] in North America and has its own European cachet. The oldest Francophone city in North America, Quebec City was named a World Heritage Site by [[UNESCO]] in 1985<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/300|title=Arrondissement historique du Vieux-Québec|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> and has celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008. Montreal is the only Francophone metropolis in North America and also the second largest Francophone city after Paris in terms of population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en/where-to-go/regions-cities/montreal |title=Montréal: City of festivals |publisher=QuebecOriginal |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815052435/http://www.bonjourquebec.com/ca-en/villesmontreal0.html |archive-date=August 15, 2010 }}</ref> This major centre of 4 million inhabitants is a tapestry of cultures from the world over with its many neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, the Gay Village, Little Italy, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, the Quartier International and Old Montreal. Montreal has a rich architectural heritage, along with many cultural activities, sports events and festivals.

The province of Quebec has over 400 museums including the [[Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal]], which is the oldest museum in Canada and one of the most important art institutions. It is Montreal's largest museum and is amongst the most prominent in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en/see-and-do/museums-heritage-sites|title=Museums and heritage sites The past is alive and well!|publisher=QuebecOriginal|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref>

Quebec is also a [[religious tourism]] destination.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2010/13/c3986.html|title=Religious and spiritual tourism in Québec: an action plan for marketing the four national sanctuaries of Québec|publisher=newswire.ca|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> The [[Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré|Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]] and [[Saint Joseph's Oratory|Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal]] are the most popular religious site in the province. In 2005, the Oratory was added to the [[List of National Historic Sites of Canada]] on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Commemorates-National-Historic-Significance-Saint-Josephs-Oratory-555699.htm|title=The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal|publisher=marketwire|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> Quebec has over 130 church and Cathedrals. All of which bear witness to the many origins that colonized the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quebecregion.com/en/what_to_do/history_heritage/religious_tourism?a=vis|title=A uniquely North-American Heritage|publisher=QuebecOriginal|access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref>

In 2003, tourism-related expenditures amounted to C$7.3 billion. Some 27.5 million trips were made in Quebec, 76% of which were made by Quebecers themselves, 13% by other Canadians, 8% from the United States and 3% from other countries. Almost 330,000 people are employed in the tourism sector, working in over 34,000 businesses. Quebec is listed among the top 20 best tourist destinations in the world, and the [[Quebec City|City of Quebec]] is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico.

The most visited cities are [[Montreal]] and [[Quebec City]], although a sizeable number also visit the city of [[Gatineau]] in the west, which forms part of the federal [[National Capital Region]] ([[Ottawa]]).

===Energy===
Unlike most other regions of the world, Quebec stands out for its use of [[renewable energy]]. In 2008, electricity (more than 99% of which came from renewable energy sources) ranked as the main form of energy used in Quebec (41.6%), followed by [[oil]] (38.2%) and [[natural gas]] (10.7%).<ref>{{cite web|author=Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife|title=Consommation d'énergie par forme|url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/energie/statistiques/statistiques-consommation-forme.jsp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706201639/http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/energie/statistiques/statistiques-consommation-forme.jsp|archive-date=July 6, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2011|publisher=Quebec Government|language=fr}}</ref>

Quebec produces most of Canada's [[hydroelectricity]] and is the 2nd biggest hydroelectricity producer in the world (2019)<ref>[http://www.one-neb.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/snpsht/2016/06-04cndscndwrld-fra.html "Aperçu du marché : Le Canada, deuxième producteur mondial d'hydroélectricité"] (29 July 2019)</ref> Because of this, Quebec has been described as a potential [[Clean energy|clean]] [[energy superpower]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Séguin, Hugo|date=April 13, 2010|title=Le Québec, la puissance énergétique verte du continent?|url=http://www.equiterre.qc.ca/choix-de-societe/blog/le-quebec-la-superpuissance-energetique-verte-du-continent|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706200534/http://www.equiterre.qc.ca/choix-de-societe/blog/le-quebec-la-superpuissance-energetique-verte-du-continent|archive-date=July 6, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2011|publisher=Équiterre|language=fr}}</ref> In 2019, Quebec's electricity production amounted to 214 [[terawatt]]-hours (TWh), 95% of which comes from hydroelectric power stations, and 4.7% of which come from [[wind energy]]. [[Thermal electricity]] production is almost completely absent from Quebec, except for a few power stations exploiting forest [[biomass]] or [[Diesel fuel|diesel]] generators which supply some twenty remote communities.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=18}}

The public company [[Hydro-Québec]] occupies a dominant position in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity in Quebec. Hydro-Québec operates 63 hydroelectric power stations and 28 large reservoirs; they guarantee a stable and flexible supply which adjusts according to demand.<ref name="hydroquebec.com2">{{cite web|title=Notre énergie est propre et renouvelable|url=https://www.hydroquebec.com/a-propos/notre-energie.html|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Hydro-Québec}}</ref> Because of the remoteness of Hydro-Québec's [[Hydro-Québec's electricity transmission system|TransÉnergie]] division, with its main facilities located in [[James Bay]] and on the [[Côte-Nord]], the TransÉnergie division operates the largest electricity transmission network in North America. Their network includes 34,361&nbsp;km of lines and 17 interconnections with neighbouring markets,{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=20}} allowing for the export of 38.3 TWh in 2018 alone.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=19}}
[[File:Raffinerie_Ultramar_Jean-Gaulin_(nord-est).jpg|right|thumb|The [[Valero Energy|Valero]] refinery in [[Lévis]]]]
As Quebec has few significant deposits of [[fossil fuel]]s,{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=10}} all [[hydrocarbon]]s are imported. [[Refinery|Refiners']] sourcing strategies have varied over time and have depended on market conditions. In the 1990s, Quebec purchased much of its oil from the [[Brent Crude|North Sea]]. Since 2015, it now consumes almost exclusively the crude produced in [[western Canada]] and the United States.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=9}} Quebec's two active refineries ([[Valero Energy|Valero]]'s in [[Lévis]], and [[Suncor]]'s in [[Montreal]]) have a total capacity of 402,000 barrels per day, which is greater than local needs, which stood at 365,000 barrels per day in 2018.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=10}} In 2021, an Ipsos poll found that 43% of Quebecers want their province to develop its own oil resources instead of continuing to import all the oil consumed in the province.<ref>{{Cite web|last=QMI|first=Agence|title=Les Québécois sceptiques sur l'issue de la COP26, selon un sondage|url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/11/17/les-quebecois-sceptiques-sur-lissue-de-la-cop26-selon-un-sondage|access-date=2021-11-26|website=Le Journal de Québec}}</ref>

The natural gas consumed in Quebec arrives through the [[TC Energy]] transmission network. Since 2016, Quebec's main natural gas distributor, the [[Énergir]] company, has been getting its supply at the Dawn reception point in southwestern Ontario, instead of at its previous main source the Empress intersection in Alberta. This change has occurred because of an increase in the non-traditional production of [[shale gas]] in North America, stimulating competition between the different supply basins operated across the continent. In 2018, 86% of natural gas came from Dawn and 12% from Empress. The rest consists of injections of natural gas produced locally by the recovery of residual materials.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=15}}

===Agriculture===
[[File:Monteregie farmland aerial 5 2025.jpg|thumb|Farmland in [[Montérégie]]]]
The combination of rich and easily arable soils and relatively warm climate make the St. Lawrence River Valley Quebec's most prolific agricultural area. Throughout the province, there are 29,380 farm enterprises and 42,265 farmers.<ref name="L'agriculture au Québec – UPA">{{Cite web |title=L'agriculture au Québec – UPA |url=https://www.upa.qc.ca/citoyen/apprendre/lagriculture-au-quebec |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=www.upa.qc.ca}}</ref> It produces [[meat]], [[dairy]] products, [[fruit]], [[vegetable]]s, [[foie gras]], {{visible anchor|Maple syrup|text=[[maple syrup]]}} (of which Quebec is the world's largest producer), [[fish]], and [[livestock]]. In Quebec, agricultural land accounts for only 2% of the province's total land area. In France, the figure is 58%, whereas in the United States, it is 45%.<ref name="L'agriculture au Québec – UPA"/>

{{visible anchor|Sugar maple|text=[[Sugar maple]]s}} face many [[pest (organism)|pest]]s and [[crop disease|diseases]].<ref name="sugarmaple-NRC">{{cite web | title=Sugar maple | website=Trees, insects and diseases of Canada's forests ([[Natural Resources Canada]]) | date=2013-12-31 | url=http://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/en/trees/factsheet/86 | access-date=2022-06-26}}</ref><ref name="Silvics-NA-Vol2">{{cite web | title=Silvics of North America | website=USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station | access-date=2022-07-04 | editor-first1=Russell M. | editor-last1=Burns | editor-first2=Barbara H. | editor-last2=Honkala | series=Agriculture Handbook | number=654 | date=December 1990 | publisher=[[US Forest Service|U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service]] | location=[[Washington, DC]] | pages=877 | url=https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/table_of_contents.htm | volume=2-Hardwoods}}</ref> Among [[caterpillar]]s the [[Bruce spanworm]], [[Forest tent caterpillar]], and [[Gypsy moth]] are most severe.<ref name="sugarmaple-NRC" /> Among [[fungal crop disease|fungal diseases]] the greatest impact is due to [[Eutypella canker]] (''E. parasitica'')<ref name="sugarmaple-NRC" /><ref name="Silvics-NA-Vol2" /> and [[Nectria canker]] (''N. galligena''),<ref name="sugarmaple-NRC" /><ref name="Silvics-NA-Vol2" /> and [[Armillaria ostoyae root disease]], [[Hardwood Trunk Rot]], and [[Rhytisma acerinum|Tar spot]] are also significant.<ref name="sugarmaple-NRC" />

The [[Agrifood|agri-food industry]] plays an important role in the economy of Quebec, with meat and [[dairy product]]s being the two main sectors. It accounts for 8% of the Quebec's GDP and generates $19.2&nbsp;billion. This industry generated 487,000 jobs in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing of food, beverages and tobacco and food distribution.<ref>{{cite web|title=Agri-Food Trade Service|url=http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/reg/4710-eng.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181403/http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/reg/4710-eng.htm|archive-date=July 6, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Agriculture and Agri-food Canada}}</ref> Quebec is in 1st place for the highest amount of milk produced and biggest amount of farms engaged in the [[dairy industry]] (2019).<ref>[http://lait.org/leconomie-du-lait/profil-et-impact-de-la-production-laitiere "Profil et impact de la production laitière"] (29 July 2019).</ref> Animal production accounts for more than half of all farms in Quebec. Dairy production is the province's most important, accounting for 57% of farm enterprises and 26% of income. It is followed by hog production, which accounts for 15% of total revenue. The most major agricultural output is grain maize (for livestock).<ref name="L'agriculture au Québec – UPA"/>

Quebec's exports of food products increased by 75% between 1999 and 2002, reaching $3.6 billion. In 2002, more than 150 countries imported these products, 88% of them with three partners: the United States (75.1%), the European Union (5.5%) and Japan (7.4%). The most exported products are pork, various food preparations, and various agricultural and food products.

Quebec sells its products to the Eastern and Asian markets in such large quantities that China is now the second country (after the United States) that imports the most Quebec products with 4% of Quebec exports.

In Quebec, agricultural activities generated $9.1 billion in product sales revenue. The regions of Montérégie (30%), Chaudière-Appalaches (18%), and Centre-du-Québec (14%), account for 61% of total revenue.<ref name="L'agriculture au Québec – UPA"/>

Both the {{visible anchor|Orange Wheat Blossom Midge}} and {{visible anchor|Fusarium graminearum|text=''[[Fusarium graminearum]]''}} are present here.<ref name="Sitodiplosis-mosellana-CABI-Mongrain">
   {{Unbulleted list citebundle
      |{{cite web | title=''Sitodiplosis mosellana'' (orange wheat blossom midge) | website=[[Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International|CABI]] (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International) | date=2021-11-17 | url=http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/50216#todistributionDatabaseTable | access-date=2022-06-26}}
      |{{cite journal | last1=Mongrain | first1=Danielle | last2=Couture | first2=Luc | last3=Comeau | first3=André | title=Natural occurrence of ''Fusarium graminearum'' on adult wheat midge and transmission to wheat spikes | journal=[[Cereal Research Communications]] | publisher=[[Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd]] + [[Akadémiai Kiadó]] ([[Springer Science+Business Media|Springer]]) | volume=28 | issue=1-2 | year=2000 | issn=0133-3720 | doi=10.1007/bf03543590 | pages=173–180 | s2cid=83289384}}
 }}
</ref> Individually they can be severe on {{visible anchor|Wheat|text=[[wheat]]}}, but even moreso, the midge is a [[vector (epidemiology)|vector]] of the fungus.<ref name="Sitodiplosis-mosellana-CABI-Mongrain" />

[[Strawberry]] and [[raspberry]] growers are represented by the {{visible anchor|Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association}}{{sup|{{bracket|[[:fr:Association des producteurs de fraises et de framboises du Québec|fr]]}}}} (''APFFdQ'').<ref name="Strawb-Raspb-Assoc">{{cite web | title=Cueillette de fraises et de framboises | website={{ill|Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association of Quebec|fr|Association des producteurs de fraises et de framboises du Québec}} (APFFdQ) | date=2022-06-28 | url=http://fraisesetframboisesduquebec.com/ | language=fr | access-date=2022-07-04}}</ref>

{{visible anchor|Strawberry|Strawberries|text=36% of the country's strawberries}} are grown here, the highest for any province or territory.<ref name="Elmhirst-2005">{{cite web | title=Crop Profile for Strawberry in Canada | publisher=Pesticide Risk Reduction Program, Pest Management Centre, [[Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada]] | date=April 2005 | url=http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/350949/publication.html | access-date=2022-07-04 | first=Janice | last=Elmhirst | id=A118-10/17-2005E-PDF}}</ref> ''APFFdQ'' recommends<ref name="Strawb-recomm">{{cite web | title=Les Fraîches | website={{ill|Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association of Quebec|fr|Association des producteurs de fraises et de framboises du Québec}} (APFFdQ) | date=2022-06-08 | url=http://fraisesetframboisesduquebec.com/les-fraises/varietes/ | language=fr | access-date=2022-07-04}}</ref> [[strawberry cultivar|cultivars]] for the province:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Recommended varieties and their dates of harvest/availability to consumers
|-
| [[Clery (strawberry)|Clery]]|| end of May || end of June
|-
| [[Wendy (strawberry)|Wendy]]|| end of May || end of June
|-
| [[Veestar (strawberry)|Veestar]]|| end of May || end of June
|-
| [[Annapolis (strawberry)|Annapolis]]|| end of May || end of June
|-
| [[Honeyoye (strawberry)|Honeyoye]]|| end of May || end of June
|-
| [[Jewel (strawberry)|Jewel]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Kent (strawberry)|Kent]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Chambly (strawberry)|Chambly]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Bounty (strawberry)|Bounty]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Darselect (strawberry)|Darselect]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Malwina (strawberry)|Malwina]]|| June || July
|-
| [[Seascape (strawberry)|Seascape]] || || until mid-October
|-
| [[Albion (strawberry)|Albion]] || || until mid-October
|}

For [[raspberry cultivar|{{visible anchor|Raspberry|Raspberries|text=raspberry}} varieties]] ''APFFdQ'' recommends [[Boyne (raspberry)|Boyne]], [[Killarney (raspberry)|Killarney]], [[Festival (raspberry)|Festival]], [[Nova (raspberry)|Nova]], [[Tulameen (raspberry)|Tulameen]], [[Pathfinder (raspberry)|Pathfinder]], [[Polana (raspberry)|Polana]].<ref name="Raspb-recomm">{{cite web | title=Les Fraîches | website={{ill|Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association of Quebec|fr|Association des producteurs de fraises et de framboises du Québec}} (APFFdQ) | date=2019-06-17 | url=http://fraisesetframboisesduquebec.com/les-framboises/varietes/ | language=fr | access-date=2022-07-04}}</ref>

===Forestry===
North of the St. Lawrence River Valley, the territory of Quebec has significant resources in its coniferous forests, lakes, and rivers. These include pulp, [[paper]], and [[lumber]]. More than half of Quebec (nearly 900,000 km2) is covered in forests, a size nearly twice that of Sweden.<ref name="Action">{{Cite web |last=Action |first=Canada |title=Forestry in Quebec: By the Numbers |url=https://www.canadaaction.ca/quebec-forestry-sector-statistics |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Canada Action |language=en}}</ref>

The [[pulp and paper industry]] generates annual shipments valued at more than $14&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Encore "dix ans difficiles" pour l'industrie forestière|url=http://www.abitibiexpress.ca/Economie/Ressources-naturelles/2010-11-04/article-1923283/Encore-%26laquo%3Bdix-ans-difficiles%26raquo%3B-pour-l%26rsquo%3Bindustrie-forestiere/1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163954/http://www.abitibiexpress.ca/Economie/Ressources-naturelles/2010-11-04/article-1923283/Encore-%26laquo%3Bdix-ans-difficiles%26raquo%3B-pour-l%26rsquo%3Bindustrie-forestiere/1|archive-date=July 6, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Abitibi expresse}}</ref> The [[forest product]]s industry ranks second in exports, with shipments valued at almost $11&nbsp;billion. It is also the main, and in some circumstances only, source of manufacturing activity in more than 250 municipalities in the province. The forest industry has slowed in recent years because of the [[United States – Canada softwood lumber dispute|softwood lumber dispute]].<ref>{{cite web|date=February 2006|title=CRISE dans l'industrie forestière|url=http://magazinemci.com/2006/02/01/crise-dans-lindustrie-forestiere/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714020151/http://magazinemci.com/2006/02/01/crise-dans-lindustrie-forestiere/|archive-date=July 14, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Corridors de commerce FCCQ}}</ref> This industry employs 68,000 people in several regions of Quebec.<ref>{{cite web|title=Portraits forestiers régionaux|url=http://www.cifq.qc.ca/html/francais/centre_mediatique/portrait.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125114405/http://www.cifq.qc.ca/html/francais/centre_mediatique/portrait.php|archive-date=January 25, 2010|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec|language=fr}}</ref> This industry accounted for 3.1% of Quebec's GDP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Portraits forestiers régionaux|url=http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/grip/dr/facq/contsoci.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910230852/http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/grip/dr/facq/contsoci.htm|archive-date=September 10, 2007|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec}}</ref> In 2020, it accounted for 8% of Quebec's exports, nearly $12 billion of forest products each year, the second largest amount of any province.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-30|title=L'industrie forestière innove pour lutter contre les changements climatiques|url=https://www.lequotidien.com/2021/11/30/lindustrie-forestiere-innove-pour-lutter-contre-les-changements-climatiques-18418eeeafea625bbb6c18b33897c536|access-date=2021-12-10|website=Le Soleil|language=fr}}</ref><ref name="Action"/>

Quebec has renewable forest resources extending over an area of nearly {{convert|760000|km2}} and generating an annual allowable cut of about {{convert|55|m3|yd3}} million. In 2021, a study concluded that only 1% of Quebec's forests are harvested each year.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-28|title=Le Québec sous-exploite ses forêts publiques, selon l'Institut économique de Montréal|url=https://www.ledroit.com/2020/10/29/le-quebec-sous-exploite-ses-forets-publiques-selon-linstitut-economique-de-montreal-42ed6cb22e72920d0a96fb4b41682a2f|access-date=2021-11-26|website=Le Droit|language=fr}}</ref>

===Mining===
Québec has immense mining potential, and in 2021, it was the second highest mineral-producing province by value at $11.9 billion, coming second to British Columbia ($12.9 billion). The Abitibi also has the world's largest Archean volcano-sedimentary belt and is known for its gold, copper, zinc, and silver resources. Québec develops 17 metals and 12 nonmetals, giving it Canada's most diverse resource base. Without including corporate income tax, the Québec government received $1.3 billion in 2018, while the Government of Canada received an extra $500 million through mining activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Québec Economy — Mining Industry and Sustainability |url=https://o3mining.com/articles/quebec-economy-news-2022/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=O3 Mining |language=en-CA}}</ref>

Approximately 30 minerals are mined, with the most important being iron, gold, nickel, [[titanium]], niobium, zinc, copper, silver, and stone. In 2010, the province was the largest producer of zinc in Canada and the second largest producer of [[gold]] and [[iron]].{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mern.gouv.qc.ca/|title=Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles|website=MERN}}</ref> The province is also the world's second-largest producer of [[niobium]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/niobium-columbium-and-tantalum-statistics-and-information|title=Niobium (Columbium) and Tantalum Statistics and Information|website=www.usgs.gov}}</ref> and the third of [[titanium dioxide]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/titanium-statistics-and-information|title=Titanium Statistics and Information|website=www.usgs.gov}}</ref> The Renard diamond mine operated between 2014 and 2023, owned by Stornaway Diamonds.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Quebec's only diamond mine shuts down as owner Stornoway Diamonds files for creditor protection |url=https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/stornoway-diamonds-to-lay-off-425-workers-as-operations-halt-at-quebec-mine |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Montreal Gazette |language=en-CA}}</ref> As of 2024, after Stornoway filed for bankruptcy protection, Australian-owned Winsome Resources has made efforts to purchase the mine,<ref>{{Cite web |title= Renard Diamond Mine's New Life, as Lithium Plant |url=https://www.idexonline.com/FullArticle?Id=49418 |website=IDEX Online |access-date=2025-10-10}}</ref> with the intention of repurposing it as a lithium processing plant.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia's Winsome Resources lobbying to repurpose Quebec's failed Stornoway Renard mine |website=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-winsome-resources-quebec-stornoway-renard-mine-repurpose/ |access-date=2025-10-10}}</ref> The world´s largest greenfield [[phosphate]] reserve is in [[Lac à Paul mine|Lac à Paul]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Major Mines & Projects {{!}} Lac à Paul (Paul zone) Project |url=https://miningdataonline.com/property/1696/Lac-%C3%A0-Paul-Project.aspx |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=miningdataonline.com}}</ref> The province has 27 [[mining|mine]]s, around 200 exploration firms, and 12 primary processing plants. In 2010 the value of mineral shipments from the province was about $6.8 billion.

==Imports and exports==
[[File:Portedesanciensmaires.jpg|thumbnail | [[Saint-Hyacinthe]], in the Montérégie region, is the hub of the North American markets in the agro-alimentary, veterinary and environmental fields.]]
Quebec exported C$98 billion in 2021, making it Canada's third highest exporter out of 13 exporters. Fixed wing aircraft, unladen weight (C$5.36B), aluminium unwrought, not alloyed (C$4.64B), aluminium unwrought, alloyed (C$4.24B), iron ore, (C$4.22B), and wood; coniferous species, other than of... (C$2.65B) were Quebec's top exports in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quebec {{!}} OEC |url=https://oec.world/en/profile/subnational_can/quebec |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=OEC - The Observatory of Economic Complexity |language=en}}</ref>

In 2021, Canada's Quebec imported C$87.5B, making it the 2nd largest importer out of the 13 importers in Canada. In 2021 top imports of Quebec were Petroleum oils, oils from bituminous minerals,... (C$4.57B), Other Aircraft parts (C$2.76B), Parts of turbo-jet or turbo-propeller engines (C$2.28B), Petroleum spirit for motor vehicles (C$2.18B), and Medicaments nes, in dosage (C$1.83B).

In November 2022, Quebec exported mostly to United States (C$6.68B), China (C$309M), France (C$222M), Mexico (C$143M), and Germany (C$136M), and imported mostly from United States (C$3.06B), China (C$1.16B), Italy (C$378M), Germany (C$366M), and Brazil (C$309M).

The [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), grants Quebec, among other things, the access to a market of 130 million consumers within {{convert| 1000 | km | mi}}.<ref name="Export-Import">{{cite web |url=http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/importexport/?lang=fr |title=Portail Québec, Importation et exportation 2008 |author=Quebec Institute of statistic & al. |publisher=Gouvernement du Québec |year=2009 |access-date=April 25, 2010 |archive-date=16 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016053257/http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/importexport/?lang=fr |url-status=dead }}</ref> With the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) and the NAFTA, Quebec is increasing its ability to compete internationally. Following these agreements, trade relations with other countries were boosted. As a result, Quebec has seen its exports increase significantly.<ref name="Export-Import" />

Exports for the year 2022 were 4.5% higher than in 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=Québec |first=Institut de la statistique du |date=2023-02-24 |title=Québec’s international merchandise exports up in December 2022 |url=https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/communique/quebec-international-merchandise-exports-up-december-2022 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Institut de la Statistique du Québec |language=en}}</ref>

Approximately 85% of Quebec exports are destined for the United States. Economic relations between Quebec and France are important: in 2008, approximately 17,000 Quebecers are employed in 470 French companies in Quebec, and 26,000 French people work in 154 Quebec companies in France.

Several prominent Quebec companies work within the international market: [[Cascades (company)|Cascades]] and [[AbitibiBowater]] pulp and paper producers, [[Agropur]] milk producer, [[Bombardier Inc.|Bombardier]] transport manufacturer, [[CGI Group|CGI]] information technologies, [[Cirque du Soleil]] circus, [[Alimentation Couche-Tard|Couche-Tard]] convenience stores, [[Garda (security company)|Garda]] security, [[Énergir]] power distributor, Cossette marketing firm, [[Quebecor]] media and telecommunications, [[Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton]] accounting firm, [[Saputo Incorporated|Saputo]] dairy and food company, [[Vachon Inc.|Vachon]] bakery, [[SNC-Lavalin]] engineering and construction group, [[Molson Brewery|Molson]] brewery, and many more.

== Largest Quebec companies ==
Here are Quebec's largest companies based on market capitalization as of December 2023:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Rank
!Name
!Headquarters Location
!Sector
!Market Capitalization (CAD) (Billions)
!Employees
!Source
|-
|1
|[[Canadian National Railway]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Transport industry|Transportation]] & [[Logistics]]
|$105.79
|25,101
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canadian National Railway Co (CNR) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/CNR:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2
|[[Alimentation Couche-Tard]]
|[[Laval, Quebec|Laval]]
|[[Convenience store|Convenience Stores]]
|$72.01
|128,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc (ATD) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/ATD:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|3
|[[BCE Inc.|BCE]]
|[[Verdun, Quebec|Verdun]]
|[[Mass media|Media]] & [[Telecommunications industry|Telecommunications]]
|$46.74
|44,610
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=BCE Inc (BCE) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/BCE:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|4
|[[National Bank of Canada]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Finance|Financials]]
|$33.92
|28,916
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Bank of Canada (NA) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/NA:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|5
|[[CGI Inc.|CGI]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Information technology consulting|Information Technology Consulting]]
|$29.26
|91,500
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=CGI Inc (GIB.A) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/GIB.A:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|6
|[[Dollarama]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Variety store]]
|$25.99
|8,481
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dollarama Inc (DOL) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/DOL:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|7
|[[WSP Global]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Engineering consulting|Engineering Consulting]]
|$22.60
|67,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=WSP Global Inc (WSP) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/WSP:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|8
|[[Power Corporation of Canada]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Finance|Financials]]
|$22.45
|37,300
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power Corporation of Canada (POW) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/POW:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|9
|[[Metro Inc.|Metro]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Supermarket]]
|$15.15
|95,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro Inc (MRU) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/MRU:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|10
|[[TFI International]]
|[[Saint-Laurent, Quebec|Saint-Laurent]]
|[[Transport industry|Transportation]] & [[Logistics]]
|$13.70
|25,998
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=TFI International Inc (TFII) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/TFII:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|11
|[[Saputo Inc.|Saputo]]
|[[Saint-Leonard, Quebec|Saint-Leonard]]
|[[Dairy]]
|$10.96
|19,200
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saputo Inc (SAP) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/SAP:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|12
|[[iA Financial Group]]
|[[Quebec City|Québec City]]
|[[Finance|Financials]]
|$9.08
|8,900
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=iA Financial Corporation Inc (IAG) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/IAG:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|13
|[[CAE Inc.|CAE]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Aerospace manufacturer|Aerospace manufacturing]]
|$8.91
|13,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cae Inc (CAE) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/CAE:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|14
|[[Gildan|Gildan Activewear]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Clothing industry|Clothing]]
|$7.63
|42,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gildan Activewear Inc (GIL) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/GIL:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|15
|[[AtkinsRéalis]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Engineering consulting|Engineering Consulting]]
|$7.31
|33,876
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Snc-Lavalin Group Inc (ATRL) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/ATRL:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|16
|[[Quebecor]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Mass media|Media]] & [[Telecommunications industry|Telecommunications]]
|$7.20
|8,832
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quebecor Inc (QBR.B) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/QBR.B:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|17
|[[Air Canada]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Aviation]]
|$6.55
|35,400
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Canada (AC) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/AC:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|18
|[[Bombardier Inc.|Bombardier]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Aerospace manufacturer|Aerospace manufacturing]]
|$5.06
|15,200
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombardier, Inc. Class B (BBD.B) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/BBD.B:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|19
|[[Nuvei]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Finance|Financials]]
|$4.75
|1,690
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nuvei Corp (NVEI) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/NVEI:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|20
|[[Lightspeed Commerce]]
|[[Montreal]]
|[[Finance|Financials]]
|$3.86
|3,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lightspeed Commerce Inc (LSPD) Stock Price & News |url=https://www.google.com/finance/quote/LSPD:TSE |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Google Finance |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Canada}}
* [[Quebec]]
* [[Quiet Revolution]]
* [[Economy of Canada]]
** [[Economy of Ontario]]
* [[Canada's Global Markets Action Plan]]
* [[Free trade agreements of Canada]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* Coleman, William D. "The Political Economy of Quebec." in Wallace Clement and Glen Williams, eds. ''The New Canadian Political Economy. '' (McGill-Queen's UP, 1989) pp.&nbsp;160–79.
* Haddow, Rodney. ''Comparing Quebec and Ontario: Political Economy and Public Policy at the Turn of the Millennium'' (University of Toronto Press 2015) [https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A453911650/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=8f74e349 online review]
* Polese, Mario. "Quebec's Entrepreneurial Revolution and the Reinvention of Montreal: Why and How It Happened." ''AEI Paper & Studies'' (American Enterprise Institute, 2020) [https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A618468102/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=fa320236 online]
* {{cite book |last1=Whitmore |first1=Johanne |last2=Pineau |first2=Pierre-Olivier |date=January 2020 |title=État de llénergie au Québec 2020 |publisher=HEC Montréal |url=https://energie.hec.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EEQ2020_WEB.pdf}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031207162227/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/default_an.htm Quebec's Institut de la statistique]

{{Quebec topics}}
{{Canada topic|Economy of}}

[[Category:Economy of Quebec| ]]