In our first article, we highlighted the assets British Columbia offers to support the commercial development of your business. As our name suggests, at Pacific Quebec, we work from coast to coast across Canada. Sticking to our mission, we now present you with Quebec’s economic landscape

Quebec boasts undeniable business opportunities for starting or expanding your operations. With a real contribution of $423 billion to the gross domestic product (2023), Quebec is the Canada’s second-largest economy. Its strategic position offers direct access to the vast North American markets, while its government provides strong financial incentives and tax credits to support businesses of all sizes.

Despite many similarities with other Canadian provinces, La Belle Province presents a number of challenges to overcome. Unsurprisingly, the language barrier is the first issue faced by English-speaking entrepreneurs, but other cultural aspects must also be considered. Navigating the complexities of Quebec’s labour laws and understanding local business etiquette will be essential for your long-term success.

Quebec at a Glance

• $423 billion (22.7%): province’s real GDP (% of real contribution to Canada’s GDP)

• 8.9 million (22%): population (% of Canadian population)

• $75,000: median annual household income

• 260,000 (99%): number of small businesses (% of small businesses in the local economy)

5 Reasons to Start Your Expansion in Quebec

At the Heart of a Technological Hub 

Even though 2023 had mixed economic results, Quebec saw positive net outcomes. Growth continues thanks to strong sectors in service industries such as aerospace, information technology, and renewable energy. These key players are supported by a renowned academic and research network, including institutions like the University of Montreal, McGill University, and Polytechnique Montreal. These institutions ensure a steady flow of young talent and innovation.

Economic Incentives and Affordable Operating Costs 

The Quebec government supports key provincial industries with grants and tax credits. If you’re active in green technologies, artificial intelligence, or biotechnology, your business can benefit from various financial aids for research and development.

Additionally, Quebec is more affordable than Ontario or British Columbia, whose major cities – Toronto and Vancouver – have the highest living costs in the country. If you settle in Quebec City and its surrounding areas, your business can optimize operational costs, including office or industrial space rentals.

A Bilingual Workforce 

As the heart of French-speaking Canada, La Belle Province stands out from other regions with a rapidly growing bilingualism rate (EN-FR), currently around 50%, far ahead of the bilingual province of New Brunswick (~ 35%).

This reality offers a clear advantage for businesses that can surround themselves with a bilingual workforce to establish partnerships and attract clients in both Quebec and the rest of North America and internationally.

A Canadian Leader in Sustainable Development 

Like British Columbia, Quebec is considered one of Canada’s most sustainable provinces. This reputation comes from its status as a world leader in renewable energy production, with 99% of its grid powered by hydroelectricity. The provincial government has also set ambitious goals for green economy initiatives, covering everything from mobility to biodiversity.

If you’re considering developing a sustainable business model, Quebec offers eco-conscious business partners and consumers open to your ideas.

Strategic Location: From North America to the European Single Market 

As a hub between North America and Europe, Quebec is the ideal destination for easy access to Western consumers. Besides an efficient North American supply chain, the province serves as the perfect springboard for your next growth phase in the European single market.

We will return to the preferential access Canadian exporters have to the European Union in our next article.

A Few Challenges to Consider

The language Barrier to Overcome

While bilingualism is relatively well-established in Quebec, French remains the province’s only official language. This reality requires significant organizational agility for English-speaking businesses. Whether it’s communication, websites, packaging, or customer service, you will need to adapt your content.

Cultural Adaptation

Beyond language, adapting to the local culture will guarantee better chances of success. Quebecers place special importance on trust-based relationships and are known for being warm and welcoming in their interactions. If you want to attract customers and build partnerships with local players, do not underestimate these interpersonal aspects.

Provincial Regulations and Labour Law

Among other powers, labour law rules are set at the provincial level. Quebec has a specific labour code overseeing relations between worker organizations and employers.

Before hiring local workers, make sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations and surround yourself with experts on the matter.

Our Strategic Tips for Successful Business Development

Debunk the Cultural Codes through Market Research and Strategic Marketing 

As we mentioned, before launching or expanding in Quebec, do not underestimate the importance of conducting in-depth market research in your sector. While this advice is relevant in any Canadian province, it is especially crucial in Quebec. Indeed, Quebecers place particular importance on their customer experience, from marketing to customer service, including the purchasing journey.

Your analysis should include at least a study of market trends, the definition of typical profiles of your prospects (personas), and the competitive landscape in your industry. This valuable information will allow you to plan your commercial strategy appropriately.

Establish a Local Presence through Strategic Partnerships and Government Support 

Once you’ve defined your market positioning, don’t forget to incorporate Quebec’s cultural aspects into your marketing strategy. To build business relationships that benefit your development, engage with stakeholders active in your sector. Above all, demonstrate your integration abilities by joining local business circles (e.g., CCIQ), entrepreneurial clubs/incubators (e.g., Le Camp), or associations that support socio-economic initiatives.

Align with Sustainable Development Initiatives

As mentioned earlier, Quebecers value sustainable development. Whether it’s through certifications like BCorp, the ecological attributes of your products, or sustainable business practices, highlight these environmental aspects to demonstrate your commitment to local consumers and partners.

Ready to Explore Quebec?

By developing your business in Quebec, you have the opportunity to target prospects representing 22% of the Canadian population. While this commercial opportunity is significant, it comes with a series of cultural challenges.

To make your task easier, our agency offers bilingual expertise in business development and marketing strategy. Covering both British Columbia and Quebec, our team has in-depth knowledge of these markets. From one coast to the other, there is just one step to connect!