Economy of Quebec#Mining

{{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, Malbaie River ]]

Since 2006, Quebec has a green plan in order to achieve the objective of the Kyoto protocol on climate change.{{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}} 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 km²) of its territory.{{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}} 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 MФTIVE, an electric motor designed and manufactured in Quebec.{{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 }} Hydro-Québec has recently tested more than 50 i-MiEV in order to gradually introduce the charging stations across the province. This is the largest pilot test of electric cars in Canada.{{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}} Quebec was the first province in Canada to allow the ZENN car to drive on the roads.{{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 }} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

On November 23, 2009, Premier Jean Charest announced targets for reducing greenhouse gases during the 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.{{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 | Environnement |publisher=Cyberpresse.ca |access-date=January 5, 2012}} This new law stipulates that car manufacturers serving the territory of Quebec must meet an emission ceiling of 187 grams of GHG/km or approximatively 7.7 L/100 km. This level must be reduced annually up to 127 grams of GHG/km or approximatively 5.3 L/100 km in 2016. These standards are as stringent as those in California (United States), according to the Government of Quebec.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The plan would position Quebec as a world leader in electrified transportation according to Jean Charest.{{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 }}

File:Tata Indica EV Engine bay.jpg EV engine bay featuring 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} In addition, the Quebec government plans to recover 60% of putrescible organic matter by 2015 in order to reduce its emissions.{{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}} 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".{{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}} However, ten months later, Prentice successor, John Baird, has praised Quebec as a world leader in GHG abatement.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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).{{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}} This will increase the accessibility and convenience of EV charging for drivers and reduce range anxiety across the province.

{{main article|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.{{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}} Ford Motor Co and Korean companies EcoProBM and SK On have announced that they will build a C$1.2 billion ($887 million) plant to produce EV battery materials in Becancour.{{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}} BASF has announced that it plans to build a factory in Quebec to produce cathode active materials with production expected to start by 2025.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.

Québec is one of the world's top three aerospace capitals, along with Seattle and Toulouse.{{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}} 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.{{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}} It also has a strong presence in other regions, such as Québec City, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Estrie and Mauricie. Québec's aerospace industry is recognized for its innovative drive and creativity. It invests over $700 million in R&D annually, which represents 70% of Canada's aerospace R&D spending. 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 (the world's third largest aircraft manufacturer). Additionally, jet engine companies Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce Canada, defence contractor Lockheed Martin and L-3 Communications, flight simulator builder CAE, helicopter manufacturer Bell Helicopter and 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 USMCA, it gives companies access to a market of about 500 million consumers worldwide.{{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}} Various international organisations have established their headquarters in Quebec, notably the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Quebec is home to over 280 studios, making it one of the top five game development hubs in the world.{{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}} Canada has around 937 active studios, meaning Quebec accounts for over one-quarter of the country's total game dev workforce.{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Home |url=https://canadasvideogameindustry.ca/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Canada's Video Game Industry |language=en-US}} 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. (Gotham Knights) and EA (Dead Space), there are many more that are independent or locally owned, including Behaviour, Sabotage (Sea of Stars), Red Barrels (Outlast) and Manavoid (Rainbow Billy). Besides lucrative tax credits 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.

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,{{Cite web |title=About Mila |url=https://mila.quebec/en/mila/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Mila |language=en-US}} the Quebec artificial intelligence institute. Led by renowned experts such as Yoshua Bengio, 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).{{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}}.{{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}}. 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.

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.{{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}} 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 Samuel De Champlain Bridge, the Réseau express métropolitain,{{Cite web |title=Main partners |url=https://rem.info/en/partners |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=REM |language=en}} the Line at NEOM,{{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}} the Marina Bay Sands,{{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}} Shanghai Tower, One World Trade Center{{Cite web |title=Engineering global high-rise landmarks |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/sectors/high-rise |access-date=2023-11-15}} and the Taiwan High Speed Rail line.{{Cite web |title=Program and Project Management |url=https://www.wsp.com/en-gl/services/program-and-project-management |access-date=2023-11-15}}

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.

The Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing industry employs 218,000 people,Statistics Canada 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.

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, 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, as well as in Sorel-Tracy, Baie-Comeau, Port-Cartier and Sept-Îles. The last four ports specialise in handling bulk cargo and heavy merchandise.

{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2009}}

Quebec's information technology employed over 100,000 workers in 2008. Of the total Canadian 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{{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}} people work for game development companies such as Ubisoft, Microïds, Strategy First, A2M, and Eidos Interactive.

Montreal has two major creators of 3D animation software: Softimage and 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.

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.

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, have strategically established their roots within Quebec's borders. Pfizer stands tall in Quebec with its Canadian headquarters nestled in Kirkland, alongside other offices in Montreal, Mississauga, and 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. {{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}} Novartis boasts a significant Quebec presence through its divisions, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., with headquarters in 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, a global biopharmaceutical juggernaut, maintains two critical divisions in Canada. Merck Canada Inc., headquartered in Kirkland, reinforces Quebec's position in the biotechnology landscape, while Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. in Montreal serves as a pivotal research and development center.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

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, 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.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

{{See also|Tourism in Quebec}}

File:Place Royale at night, Vieux-Québec, Quebec ville, Canada.jpg, 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.{{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}} Nearly 30,000 businesses are related to this industry, of which 70% are located outside of Montreal and Quebec City.{{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}} In 2011, Quebec welcomed 26 million foreign tourists, most of them from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Japan.{{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}}

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{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/300|title=Arrondissement historique du Vieux-Québec|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=February 23, 2011}} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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}}

Quebec is also a religious tourism destination.{{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}} The Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and 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.{{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}} Quebec has over 130 church and Cathedrals. All of which bear witness to the many origins that colonized the region.{{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}}

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 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).

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%).{{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}}

Quebec produces most of Canada's hydroelectricity and is the 2nd biggest hydroelectricity producer in the world (2019)[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) Because of this, Quebec has been described as a potential clean energy superpower.{{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}} 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 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.{{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}} Because of the remoteness of Hydro-Québec's 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 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 refinery in Lévis]]

As Quebec has few significant deposits of fossil fuels,{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=10}} all hydrocarbons are imported. Refiners' sourcing strategies have varied over time and have depended on market conditions. In the 1990s, Quebec purchased much of its oil from the 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'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.{{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}}

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}}

File:Corn field in Quebec 2017.jpg

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.{{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}} It produces meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, 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%.

{{visible anchor|Sugar maple|text=Sugar maples}} face many pests and diseases.{{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}}{{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=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service | location=Washington, DC | pages=877 | url=http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/table_of_contents.htm | volume=2-Hardwoods}} Among caterpillars the Bruce spanworm, Forest tent caterpillar, and Gypsy moth are most severe. Among fungal diseases the greatest impact is due to Eutypella canker (E. parasitica) and Nectria canker (N. galligena), and Armillaria ostoyae root disease, Hardwood Trunk Rot, and Tar spot are also significant.

The agri-food industry plays an important role in the economy of Quebec, with meat and dairy products being the two main sectors. It accounts for 8% of the Quebec's GDP and generates $19.2 billion. This industry generated 487,000 jobs in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing of food, beverages and tobacco and food distribution.{{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}} Quebec is in 1st place for the highest amount of milk produced and biggest amount of farms engaged in the dairy industry (2019).[http://lait.org/leconomie-du-lait/profil-et-impact-de-la-production-laitiere "Profil et impact de la production laitière"] (29 July 2019). 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).

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.

Both the {{visible anchor|Orange Wheat Blossom Midge}} and {{visible anchor|Fusarium graminearum|text=Fusarium graminearum}} are present here.

{{Unbulleted list citebundle

|{{cite web | title=Sitodiplosis mosellana (orange wheat blossom midge) | website=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) | volume=28 | issue=1-2 | year=2000 | issn=0133-3720 | doi=10.1007/bf03543590 | pages=173–180 | s2cid=83289384}}

}}

Individually they can be severe on {{visible anchor|Wheat|text=wheat}}, but even moreso, the midge is a vector of the fungus.

Strawberry and raspberry growers are represented by the {{visible anchor|Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association}}{{smallsup|{{bracket|fr}}}} (APFFdQ).{{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}}

{{visible anchor|Strawberry|Strawberries|text=36% of the country's strawberries}} are grown here, the highest for any province or territory.{{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}} APFFdQ recommends{{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}} cultivars for the province:

For raspberry cultivar APFFdQ recommends Boyne, Killarney, Festival, Nova, Tulameen, Pathfinder, Polana.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

The pulp and paper industry generates annual shipments valued at more than $14 billion.{{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}} The forest products industry ranks second in exports, with shipments valued at almost $11 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 softwood lumber dispute.{{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}} This industry employs 68,000 people in several regions of Quebec.{{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}} This industry accounted for 3.1% of Quebec's GDP.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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}}{{Cite web|url=https://mern.gouv.qc.ca/|title=Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles|website=MERN}} The province is also the world's second-largest producer of niobium{{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}} and the third of titanium dioxide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/titanium-statistics-and-information|title=Titanium Statistics and Information|website=www.usgs.gov}} The province's first diamond mine is scheduled to commence operations in 2016.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} The province has 27 mines, around 200 exploration firms, and 12 primary processing plants. In 2010 the value of mineral shipments from the province was about $6.8 billion.

File:Portedesanciensmaires.jpg, 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, concentrate, not iron pyrites, unagglomerate (C$4.22B), and wood; coniferous species, other than of... (C$2.65B) were Quebec's top exports in 2021.{{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}}

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}}.{{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 }} 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.

Exports for the year 2022 were 4.5% higher than in 2021{{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}}

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 and AbitibiBowater pulp and paper producers, Agropur milk producer, Bombardier transport manufacturer, CGI information technologies, Cirque du Soleil circus, Couche-Tard convenience stores, Garda security, Énergir power distributor, Cossette marketing firm, Quebecor media and telecommunications, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton accounting firm, Saputo dairy and food company, Vachon bakery, SNC-Lavalin engineering and construction group, Molson brewery, and many more.

Here are Quebec's largest companies based on market capitalization as of December 2023:

{{Portal|Canada}}

• Quebec
• Quiet Revolution
• Economy of Canada
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• Canada's Global Markets Action Plan
• Free trade agreements of Canada

{{Reflist|30em}}

• 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. 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}}

• [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}}