Transportation electrification and sustainable mobility

Transportation electrification, whether it concerns private, public or freight transportation, is both a major global trend and a rapidly evolving sector. Knowing that Quebecers would benefit from being at the forefront of this technological development due to its many competitive advantages, the Québec government committed to the transportation electrification process in 2011.

Alternatives to traditional transportation modes are being developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve traffic flow, and use public services and urban space more efficiently. By developing public transportation, setting up integrated transportation systems, advancing vehicle intelligence, promoting transportation electrification and introducing autonomous transportation modes, we improve public services and stimulate economic activity in Québec.

2015-2020 Transportation Electrification Action Plan

A budget of $420.75 million, including $253.5 million from the Green Fund.

Three strategic priorities:

• Promote electric transportation
• Develop the industry
• Create a favourable environment

2018-2023 Sustainable Mobility Action Plan

24 measures grouped under four objectives:

• Support projects and invest in the workforce
• Boost the presence of Québec businesses in markets outside Québec
• Strengthen research and innovation
• Make Québec a leader in demonstration

Main advantages for investors

• An abundant supply of renewable, reliable, competitively priced electricity
• Good availability of raw materials for the manufacture of batteries and special alloys to make lighter vehicles
• World-renowned expertise in power generation and transmission and technology development
• A world-class research centre:
  • Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ), which holds 800 patents and 40 licences
  • Renowned research in artificial intelligence
• A transportation sector comprising 620 companies and 30,000 jobs, including 1,800 in the electric transportation industry
• Some thirty research and technology transfer centres active in the field
• Government support on several levels by 2030: major public transit projects, support for businesses, workforce training, consumer subsidies, and regulatory initiatives
• A government internationally recognized for its leadership in the fight against climate change
• An exemplary government that promotes the electrification of transportation to accelerate the energy transition and the shift to sustainable mobility

Environment conducive to electric transportation

• Rebates of up to CDN $8,000 on the purchase of an electric vehicle
• Largest network of public charging stations in Canada
• Electric charging corridors connected to those in neighbouring states across the United States border
• The largest number of electric vehicles in circulation in Canada (as of June 30, 2018: more than 30,000 registered electric vehicles and more than 47,000 conventional hybrid vehicles).

Development of the electric vehicle sector

The electric and intelligent vehicle industrial cluster rallies a broad range of Québec stakeholders and actors, including industry users, the research and innovation community, and the education sector around common objectives and concerted action in order to optimize the growth and success of the cluster.

The Québec centre of excellence in ground transportation has solid expertise in the development of international markets and collaborative innovation. It works with member manufacturers of transportation materials to help them bring their products to market.

Digital technology and artificial intelligence

Québec’s information and communication technologies (ICT) sector comprises an extensive network of flagship companies, over 7,000 SMEs, research and development centres, organizations specializing in ICT commercialization and transfer as well as business associations and groups. This ecosystem attracts world-class talent that is key to the boom in digital technology in Québec. Québec is also recognized for its leading role in artificial intelligence (AI). The development of AI is helping drive Québec’s economy and requires the attraction of investments and talent and the creation of international partnerships.

Major investments and concerted efforts

• Investments of 1.5 billion dollars over five years as part of the Digital Strategy
• Structured efforts to develop the digital skills of young people and adults as part of the Digital Action Plan for Education and Higher Education
• Digital data sets available on the Données Québec (Québec data) portal make it possible to develop innovative applications

A framework conducive to the success of artificial intelligence

• The creation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cluster Steering Committee, which has established five strategic directions:
  • Ensure the development and sustainability of Québec’s AI academic research hub
  • Develop digital science talents to meet Québec’s needs
  • Accelerate the development and adoption of AI solutions across Québec’s economic fabric
  • Establish an international expertise hub in Québec focusing on responsible AI and its societal impacts
  • Advance the development of Québec’s AI ecosystem support structures
• A high concentration of academic researchers in AI and data processing
• A critical mass of start-up businesses, investors, potential users, granting agencies, and liaison and transfer organizations
• A dynamic ecosystem that has attracted 150 million dollars in AI venture capital

Tailor-made financial incentives

• Numerous tax credits available, including the refundable tax credit for E-business development
• The possibility of benefiting from the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program, which is advantageous for businesses
• Tax holidays for foreign researchers and foreign experts
• A program to attract foreign start-up businesses to Québec (Startup Québec call for projects)

Québec, my next business destination

• Many business accelerators and incubators - FounderFuel, Le Camp, District 3, Centech, Ecofuel, etc.
• Several venture capital funds that support business start-ups in the information and communication technologies (ICT) industry - White Star Capital, iNovia Capital, Real Ventures, Panache Ventures, etc.
• Access to a talented, creative and bilingual workforce of some 300,000 ICT professionals
• An innovation and R&D hub supported by a culture of collaboration
• ICT industry operating costs that are among the lowest in the 20 largest North American metropolitan areas

Plan nord

The Plan Nord is a partnership-based development strategy for Québec's northern territory. It balances economic, social and environmental considerations, making it a reference for the sustainable development of northern regions. Due to its abundant natural resources and major energy potential, Québec's northern territory offers not only many business opportunities, but also prospects for sharing technological expertise and best practices.

A long-term and sustainable strategy

• A total area of 1.2 M km² north of the 49^th parallel, covering 72% of Québec territory
• Overall public and private investments exceeding 50 billion dollars by 2035
• A planned, coordinated project based on social acceptability, partnerships, private investment and support for communities
• Governance structure focused on collaboration between the government, regions, Aboriginal nations and the private sector

A framework for prosperity

• 3 policy directions :
  • Develop the diversified economic potential of northern Québec in a responsible way
  • Support the development of the communities to help them achieve their full potential and improve their living conditions
  • Implement mechanisms to dedicate 50 % of the area covered by the Plan Nord to non-industrial purposes, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation by 2035
• Factors for success :
  • Developing and improving road, rail and maritime links
  • Facilitating access to clean, economical energy
  • Improving telecommunications infrastructure
  • Increasing scientific knowledge and technical expertise, especially through the establishement of the Institut nordique du Québec, an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional centre for research and innovation

Exceptional investment opportunities

• Vast range of metals and minerals (nickel, cobalt, zinc, iron ore, ilmenite, gold, diamond, apatite, lithium, vanadium, graphite, rare earths)
• Significant hydraulic, wind and solar development potential
• 200 000 km² of forests (53% of Québec’s operable forests) with an annual harvest potential of 11.8 million m3 of lumber.
• Diverse cultures, unique landscapes and exceptional wildlife worthy of world-class tourist destinations

Québec : your next business destination

• One of the lowest corporate tax rate in North America; no capital tax
• Some of the world’s most advantageous investment and R & D incentives
• A large and growing economic market and a well-regulated financial sector
• Energy costs are on average 30.6% lower than in G7 countries
• Access to clean and reliable energy
• Free and accessible public health system that significantly reduces employers’ contribution to employee benefit plans

Promotion of educational opportunities

Québec has much to offer to international students who wish to continue their studies outside their countries. It offers many benefits, including the possibility of taking courses in French or English and enjoying a remarkable quality of life and a safe environment. An overview of the educational opportunities available in Québec is provided below. So, why not give it a look!

For more information, please consult the website of the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

A broad range of programs of study

• More than 3,000 university training programs, including over 1,400 at the master’s and doctoral levels
• Nearly 140 technical training programs (3 years) and 9 pre-university college-level study programs (2 years)
• Almost 170 vocational training programs
• The option of studying in French or English

An internationally recognized education system

• Québec universities that are renowned for their outstanding teaching, ultramodern libraries and state-of-the-art equipment
• Programs that are open to the world and meet the highest international requirements and standards of excellence

An enviable quality of life

• An extremely respectful and safe social environment that is conducive to learning
• An affordable cost of living
• A dynamic cultural scene, the charm of city living and a diversity of landscapes and natural spaces

Job-market oriented instruction

• Programs of study that integrate a high proportion of practical work: case studies, virtual simulations, field trips, business immersion, work internships, etc.
• Training that encourages teamwork and cooperation
• The experience acquired during the course of study is a valuable asset for new international graduates and is highly regarded by potential employers, especially in Québec

Cutting-edge universities

• Internationally recognized for advanced research
• Easy access to funding
• Special consideration given to student researchers

An array of services for students

• Francization, welcome, integration and orientation services, in addition to many others, foster student success and enable students to enjoy a rewarding study experience
• Teaching staff that is available to support students

Maritime strategy

Québec’s Maritime Strategy focuses on the responsible and sustainable development of the Saint Lawrence River and its maritime assets. Among other things, it seeks to improve port and intermodal infrastructures for transporting goods and create an intersectoral research network. These efforts will undoubtedly result in many business opportunities and lead to joint projects in the areas of science and technology. Finally, the Saint Lawrence River and the vast areas of land along it are unique, must-see destinations for international cruises.

An ambitious, visionary plan

• Overall investments exceeding nine billion dollars over 15 years
• Investments of more than two billion dollars in infrastructure
• Thousands of business opportunities in the maritime industry
• Direct access to Northern Québec’s resources

Enormous potential for investors

• A structured and high-performing maritime economy
• A business environment favorable to private investment
• The creation of industrial port zones offering competitive advantages
• The development of logistical hubs that satisfy specific markets and needs

One of the world’s most efficient intermodal systems

• A strategic port network consisting primarily of the ports of Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Bécancour, Québec City and Sept-Îles
• A road system connected to Canadian and American ports and (Interstate) highway systems
• Three rail networks: Canadian Pacific (CP), Canadian National (CN) and CSX Transportation
• Access to five border crossings that service the bulk of trucking operations to and from the United States: Windsor-Detroit, Niagara-Fort Erie, Sarnia, Lacolle and Lansdowne
• Three international airports: Montréal, Québec City and Montréal-Mirabel

Québec’s maritime territory

• Stretching over 3,200 km, the St. Lawrence River is the largest navigable waterway in North America
• A gateway to a pool of 475 million North American consumers
• The shortest route between Europe and the heart of North America

Responsible development

• A planned, integrated approach and a sustainable development perspective
• A target of 10% of the marine territory set aside for protected marine areas
• Two factors for success: the active involvement of communities and the social acceptability of the projects
• A relationship of trust and ongoing dialogue with the communities concerned
• Maritime tourism that is respectful of Québec’s incredibly rich ecosystems in terms of ecology, heritage and culture

About Québec

• Recognized expertise in maritime science and knowledge to be shared
• An available and skilled labour force
• Infrastructure that is on the cutting edge of technology
• A large and growing economic market