QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
March 26, 2026
Senator Moreau, the mandate of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec is to support long-term economic development across the province, with particular attention to regions facing slower growth or limited employment opportunities. According to the Main Estimates for 2026-27, the agency is expected to receive nearly $416 million in funding.
At a time of significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, marked by industrial transformation and shifting global value chains, the agency has identified support for SMEs and communities as a key priority.
In this context, how will the federal government ensure that regions across Quebec are equipped to adapt to these changes? What concrete measures will be implemented to support local and regional economies and help them prosper during this period of transition?
Thank you. This is why the government is establishing targeted measures and making flexible investments to help Quebec’s regions to adapt, compete and grow in the geopolitical situation you were describing.
The government is supporting small- and medium-sized businesses in boosting productivity, adopting new technologies and integrating into evolving global value chains, ensuring they are well positioned for this period of industrial transformation. This includes concrete measures, like the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, helping businesses respond to U.S. trade pressures by raising productivity and diversifying markets.
Thank you for that answer.
The agency acknowledges in its Departmental Plan that the challenges facing Quebec’s businesses and regions could dilute the overall impact of its interventions.
Given ongoing trade tensions and uncertainty, how will the agency ensure greater flexibility and agility in its programs and interventions? More specifically, how will it position Quebec to seize emerging opportunities and strengthen its competitive advantage?
Flexibility is the most important word here. That’s why flexibility is the core of how Canada’s economic development operates. For example, the Regional Defence Investment Initiative actively integrates Quebec businesses into domestic and international defence supply chains, strengthening both resilience and competitiveness.
