Québec’s unique brand of excellence shines through in a broad array of industries, thanks in part to its leading-edge expertise and highly skilled workforce. Québec’s know-how and abounding creativity are highly respected and admired the world over.

The province boasts a concentrated pool of specialized knowledge, backed by numerous postsecondary institutions and an established research infrastructure in various strategic markets.

Poised firmly at the forefront of a number of sectors, Québec is brimming over with talent and natural wealth that is waiting to be tapped into.

Aerospace

Montréal is one of the world’s leading aerospace hubs, alongside Seattle, Toulouse and Wichita. The Québec aerospace workforce is the sixth largest in the world, and the sector is undeniably one of the best structured in the province’s economy. Backed by the presence of a number of prominent global players, a highly trained and highly skilled workforce and world-class equipment manufacturers, Québec is firmly positioned at the top of the industry.

Bio-food

Expertise, state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking are the hallmarks of the Québec bio-food industry. The province’s long-standing commitment to the agricultural and food processing sectors has helped support the ongoing vitality and sustainability of the bio-food sector. With its world-renowned expertise in various aspects of the industry, Québec has sown the seeds for continued excellence in the coming years.

Construction

Québec’s harsh and intense climate has shaped the robust character of its construction industry and led to the development of a unique set of skills, thereby creating a sector where the knack for adapting techniques is matched only by the ability to develop innovative products and materials. This creative community dares to think outside the box, with the ultimate goal of constantly improving performance and exporting expertise. And it is this spirit of innovation and dedication to excellence that has helped cement its reputation here and around the world.

Industrial design

Québec promotes innovation as a way of standing out in local and international markets in countries with low production costs. The use of industrial design, in conjunction with state-of-the-art technology, can help build the solid manufacturing base necessary for a diversified economy. By working hand in hand with industrial designers, Québec businesses can offer high-quality products at competitive prices.

Energy

The Québec energy sector boasts a range of renewable energy sources. The province is now building on its past success to take on new challenges. It is committed to reducing dependence on imported oil by promoting the use of alternative energies such as electricity, renewable fuels and natural gas to meet its needs in the transportation sector, which is almost exclusively dominated by petroleum products. Québec also plans to pursue the sustainable development of its hydrocarbon resources in order to secure its energy supply, improve its trade balance and create wealth.

Environment

Built around a sustainable development framework, the Québec economy features some of the world’s strictest environmental protection standards. In its 2006–2012 Climate Change Action Plan, the province has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 20% by the year 2020. In addition, its waste and water management policies, its involvement in the Western Climate Initiative and its environmental assessment procedures for major undertakings make Québec a leader in this field.

Mining

Québec is internationally recognized for its leadership in the mining sector. For several years running, Vancouver’s Fraser Institute has named Québec a top mineral exploration jurisdiction due to its favourable investment climate, its policies and its mineral potential. With a sustainable mining infrastructure in place and a wealth of expertise to tap into, Québec has carved out an enviable place for itself in the mining industry.

Research and Innovation

Québec is Canada’s most dynamic province when it comes to research and innovation, topping the national list for R&D spending in 2008. The special ties Québec has forged with the international academic and scientific communities are key drivers of its growth in this regard. Its continued focus on research, science and technology is sure to foster further economic development and prosperity in the years to come.

Life sciences

An emphasis on quality research, a collaborative mindset and a strategic location are the main secrets to the success of Québec’s life sciences industry. Plus, Québec is one of the few places in the world where firms can cover the entire development cycle for drugs and medical devices, from initial research through to marketing. This is a major drawing point for key industry players.

Information and communications technology

The information and communications technology sector has been thriving in Québec for several decades. The province’s world-renowned expertise in the fields of telecommunications and microelectronics emerged in the 1990s. At the beginning of the new millennium, Québec became known for its information technology services, thanks in large part to its expertise and its stable workforce.

Ground transportation

Over the years, the Québec ground transportation equipment industry has made a name for itself on the international stage. Numerous Québec businesses are known worldwide for their recreational vehicles, automobiles, motorcoaches, specialty vehicles and city buses, as well as their accomplishments in the rail industry. This highly creative community is revved up with efficiency- and innovation-oriented ideas.

Apparel

Montréal is one of the foremost clothing production centres in North America, along with Los Angeles and New York. Montréal’s fashion industry is known the world over for its innovation, design and marketing. Nearly three-quarters of Québec’s jobs and businesses in this sector are found in the greater Montréal area, making the garment industry a top manufacturing employer.