Quebec, a strategic partner in a changing world
Gathered at Domaine de Grammont in Montpellier, the speakers were unanimous in their assessment: in the face of global uncertainties, local authorities need to be able to rely on trusted partners.
According to Henri-Paul Rousseau, General Delegate of Québec en France, this dynamic is already in motion. A first area of focus is already firmly established in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. A second, rapidly gaining momentum, concerns healthcare, the energy transition, and the digital transition — three sectors where both Montpellier and Québec possess significant strengths.
“We need to step up our efforts. We have enormous potential together. We must continue our close cooperation and work in the field so that we can be of mutual benefit to each other.”
Video by EKOM GROUPE
Business opportunities for companies
Quebec representatives described a particularly dynamic environment, driven by a period of large-scale investment, notably in infrastructure and energy. Yann Le Borgne, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy, highlighted the $150 billion to be invested over the next fifteen years in renewable energy development.
Quebec regions also highlighted their centers of excellence. In Sherbrooke, the quantum, energy, and microtechnology sectors offer opportunities for close collaboration. Meanwhile, Drummondville is emerging as a strategic industrial and logistics hub in the heart of Quebec.
To help facilitate projects, speakers discussed various support mechanisms at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. While direct grants tend to be rare, there is a wide range of available tax credits. Financial experts from CIC and the Desjardins Cooperative Bank highlighted major differences in banking systems, while explaining existing support mechanisms to provide guidance, finance market research, secure contracts, and support investments. On the French side, Bpifrance “offers additional support and guarantees in order to mitigate risk.”
Better understanding Québec in order to succeed there
Just because you speak the same language doesn’t necessarily mean you do business the same way.
“Québec isn’t France in America; it’s more like Americans who speak French,” summarized Jean-François Lupien, director of Investissement Québec International.
The North American approach is pervasive, with pragmatism, a results-oriented culture, and simplified hierarchies — all characteristics that can surprise French entrepreneurs. Testimonials from Montpellier-based companies already established there confirmed this reality.
“Competition is fierce, but opportunities are readily available,” summarizes Laurent Ventura, CEO of ESII, which has been based in Quebec since 2012.
At Simpliciti, the experience is similar: large contracts were signed quickly with the city of Montreal without the company having major local references. For its part, Axeptio, established since January 2025, emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and connections with local Quebec facilitators.
The experience of the Canadian company CGI offered an interesting comparison. Having arrived in Castelnau-le-Lez in 2012 as part of a strategy to build closer ties with its major European clients, its representative discussed the human and organizational challenges following a merger. This provided an opportunity to highlight the significant contrasts between French and North American practices, particularly regarding processes and human resources. The group now employs nearly 500 people at its Castelnau-le-Lez site.
Sherbrooke, a welcoming destination
Montpellier and Sherbrooke have been long-standing partners for over twenty years and have been sister cities since 2013. They maintain close ties and a level of cooperation that has continued to grow over time.
The day culminated in the signing of a joint Declaration of Intent to offer a “welcome package” designed to facilitate the reception of entrepreneurs, researchers, and talent in both locations. The goal of this tangible commitment is to help more projects become reality.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of Sherbrooke, said, “This meeting is just the starting point for further strengthening our exchanges.”
Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Métropole, added that “the primary focus of this cooperation is the link between research, innovation, and value creation.”
This view is shared by Quebec’s elected officials, who are convinced that mid-sized territories now possess a unique capacity to innovate and experiment with agility. A delegation from Montpellier will visit Sherbrooke next fall.
Video by EKOM GROUPE
