Montréal, March 21, 2023 - Propulsion Québec, the electric and intelligent transportation cluster, welcomes the investments announced today by the Minister of Finance, Éric Girard, in the environment, innovation and the electrification of public transportation, as part of the tabling of theQuebec Budget Plan 2023. However, she deplores the lack of concrete measures dedicated specifically to the sector, notably those aimed at maintaining and improving incentives for the acquisition of electric vehicles, as well as the development of the intelligent transport sector, at a time when the transport sector is responsible for over 40% of GHG emissions and Quebec is far from meeting its reduction target.
"The latest IPCC report was unequivocal: governments must take immediate action to tackle the climate crisis and adapt to its impacts. Electric and intelligent transport represent an accessible and effective solution for reducing GHG emissions. We welcome the major investments in public transportation, the $55 million earmarked for innovation in transportation, and the government's stated desire to promote local purchasing, sustainable development and innovation through public procurement," says Sarah Houde, President and CEO of Propulsion Québec.
The TEI sector awaits an industrial policy
As part of the pre-budget consultations, Propulsion Québec stressed the importance of Quebec adopting an industrial policy for the EIT sector, following the example of its trading partners such as the United States and Europe. No such coordinated policy has been included in this budget.
However, the major investment of $615.2 million over 6 years to address the labor shortage is noteworthy. We believe that the TEI sector, which is no exception to this challenge, should benefit from the measures planned to promote the attraction and retention of talent. The same goes for training young people and encouraging them to stay in school.
"Through itsAmbition TEI 2030 roadmapPropulsion Québec is proposing a number of initiatives to promote sustainable development. We offer our full cooperation to the Quebec government in setting up a sectoral industrial policy and pursuing efforts dedicated to the TEI sector and the fight against climate change," concludes Sarah Houde.
Budget highlights
Among the transport-related announcements, it is worth highlighting investments that could have a positive impact on the ecosystem:
- 1.9 billion allocated to improving mobility and electrifying public transit (PQI) ;
- 400 million to boost public transit ;
- 55 million to foster innovation in transportation ;
- 10 million to ensure the harmonious and responsible development of the critical and strategic minerals industry;
- 30 million to support clean technologies and the circular economy
- 1.5 billion to help young people succeed.
