Premier François Legault has unveiled a comprehensive new economic strategy for Quebec that places the province's crown corporation, Hydro-Québec, at the heart of its vision for future growth and stability.
Four Pillars of Quebec's Economic Future
During a Monday announcement at the Beauharnois power generating station on Montreal's South Shore, Legault presented his government's 53-page policy paper titled "Le Pouvoir Québécois: réponse au nouveau contexte mondial" (Quebec Power: A Response to a New World Climate). The document outlines four priority economic fields designed to navigate global economic uncertainties.
The first priority involves a massive increase in renewable energy production, leveraging Hydro-Québec's existing infrastructure and expertise. The second focuses on improving efficiency and flexibility in executing strategic projects. Third, the plan aims to develop new markets to help Quebec companies expand. Fourth, Quebec must seize new opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Responding to Global Economic Shifts
Legault emphasized that Quebec's strong economic performance over the past seven years, where it outpaced the rest of Canada, now faces challenges from international developments, particularly new American policies that have created global economic shockwaves.
"The world has changed and the shift of the new American administration has produced a shock wave all over the world," Legault stated. "We have to be realistic: This situation is a significant challenge, but we need to seize the occasion."
The premier noted that since February, Canada's economic growth has slipped 0.5 percent while exports to the United States have declined by 11.5 percent.
Hydro-Québec as Economic Cornerstone
The choice of the Beauharnois hydroelectric facility as the announcement venue underscored Hydro-Québec's central role in the government's economic strategy. Approximately 100 Quebec economic leaders attended the event, including Hydro-Québec CEO Claudine Bouchard, who spoke before the premier.
Among the specific opportunities identified in the plan are potential contracts in defense and security sectors and the sale of critical minerals. Legault highlighted that Quebec already possesses strong positioning in aerospace industries, naval construction, and digital technology.
"Quebec needs to act now to protect its social model and the standard of living for its citizens," Legault wrote in the document's forward. "To build the economy of tomorrow, all of the government's economic actions must continue and even speed up."
The economic policy paper, in development for months, was presented on November 10, 2025, and may form part of the Coalition Avenir Québec's upcoming electoral platform.
