Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - Quebec

Sector Snapshots

• Aerospace
• Building Products and Construction 
• Defence and Security
• Environment and Renewable Energies
• Health Industries
• Information Communication Technologies (ICT)

Aerospace

Quebec's prominent aerospace industry remains healthy with more than $12 billion in sales in 2008, accounting for 60% of total production in Canada.  More than 80% of Quebec production is exported.  The province ranks fifth worldwide in this sector with the presence of renowned companies, contractors and equipment manufacturers.  Over 200 Quebec SMEs are sub-contractors to these industry leaders. Corporate airplanes, helicopters, engines, aircraft parts and avionic products continue to be in demand.  Trade commissioners can help Quebec suppliers increase their competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Contact your Trade Commissioner in Quebec:  Michel Lamarre, Aerospace Industries

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Building Products and Construction

The construction and building products sector remains unparalleled in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). It contributes 10-12%, both for Canada and for Quebec. However, Quebec’s construction sector lost considerable export ground in 2008 due to a number of challenges they faced such as the downward trend of the Canadian dollar, rising oil prices, the real estate crisis and the general economic slowdown in the U.S. In addition, several new companies entered the Quebec scene in 2008, increasing domestic competition. The challenge to Quebec companies is clear. In order to succeed, they must look not just to the U.S., but beyond it into new, non-traditional markets. In branding their products, inherent durability and quality should be front and centre. Quebec SME's are well-suited to subcontract to Canadian engineering, design and construction companies already active in the global marketplace. The Trade Commissioner Service can inform companies of these opportunities including those related to international tenders and bid projects.

Contact your Trade Commissioner in Quebec: Redouane Mekideche, Construction and Building Products

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Defence and Security

Quebec companies are well-positioned to take advantage of the growing worldwide opportunities in the defence and security sector.  With the rise in terrorism, unstable warfare, natural disasters and epidemic diseases, foreign governments are not only increasing military expenditures, but are also seeking innovative public safety related products and services.  Quebec is known for its expertise in fibre optics, image processing (3D), military communications devices, remote sensing, biometric systems, aerodynamic materials and other applications. Trade commissioners can introduce such companies to key foreign government representatives.

Contact your Trade Commissioner in Quebec:  Claudette Lemieux, Defence and Security

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Environment and Renewable Energies

Quebec’s environmental industry is based mainly on the development of innovative technology, primarily related to residues management, water and wastewater treatment. In total, Quebec has more than 16,000 jobs and 850 mostly small- and medium-sized companies dedicated to this sector.  The province enjoys nearly one-fifth (18%) of Canada’s exports.  Coincidentally, about one-fifth of Canada’s environmental industry is located in Quebec.  While Quebec’s status as a leading manufacturer of hydroelectric power remains, the province is also at the forefront of the renewable energy field: for example, the wind energy industry here is growing rapidly, as is bio-energy.  Together, they comprise the most promising sectors from an export standpoint, while the production of petroleum replacements and energy from bio-mass are the strongest offerings in the renewable energy field.  Quebec’s standing in the field of environmental engineering is also sought after and recognized internationally.

Contact your Trade Commissioner in Quebec:  Marie-Hélène Béland, Environment and Energy   

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Health Industries

Canada provides a number of opportunities in this sector for companies like yours, thanks to:

• increasing number of medical requests in emerging markets,
• changes in demographics,
• creation of new research platforms,
• expansion of multinationals in this sector,
• establishment of international science and technology agreements.

We can help you make the most of these opportunities by putting you in contact with trade, innovation and investment partners. You company can also obtain strategic information and privileged contacts by working with a Trade Commissioner.

Quebec is a leader in this industry and a number of multinationals have set up in the province to conduct fundamental research and clinical trials, and to produce generic drugs.

There are 660 companies working in this sector in Montreal, 120 of which focus on biotechnology, making the region the fourth largest cluster in North America. The Quebec medical device industry has over 350 companies producing mainly imaging, telehealth and diagnostic technologies.

Contact your Trade Commissioner in Quebec: Héloïse Côté, Health Industries; Robert Landry, Health Industries

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Information Communication Technologies (ICT)

The ICT sector is a driving force in Quebec's economy, generating more than $25 billion dollars in sales. With 5,000 companies in the province, the sector employs around 140,000 people. Most ICT production is exported (mainly to the United States) and accounts for 35% of the Canadian total in this sector.  European and American ICT industry leaders have set up research and development (R&D) operations in Montreal which is world-renowned for its multimedia production.  In addition to multimedia, foreign investment is active in microelectronics, software, telecommunications and information management.  Niche markets include software development for new media (electronic games), digital imaging, e-learning, health services, and transportation. Our trade commissioners can help you pursue international opportunities.

Contact your Trade Commissioners in Quebec:  Lucie Roy, ICT;  Neil Swain, ICT

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.