Montreal, November 12, 2025 - Propulsion Québec, the Association du camionnage du Québec and companies in the freight transportation and delivery sector are calling on the Quebec government to relaunch, without delay, the Écocamionnage program, which has been suspended for over a year. This prolonged pause is having major consequences, including delayed investment and a slowdown in the decarbonization of transport in Quebec, against a backdrop of economic and geopolitical turbulence.
"The effects of the suspension of the Écocamionnage program are perceptible on the ground: fewer electric trucks purchased by transporters, postponed projects and, in concrete terms, fewer zero-emission vehicles on Quebec roads. The heavy-duty transport sector accounts for nearly 30% of emissions in the Quebec transportation sector. Yet, as demand for transportation and the quantity of goods to be moved increase year after year, overall emissions remain on the rise, despite increased efforts by carriers. Quebec cannot afford to slow down now. The relaunch of the Écocamionnage program represents an ambitious and sustainable gesture of support for decarbonization," says Alexis Laprés-Paradis, interim CEO of Propulsion Québec.
An essential lever for the competitiveness and decarbonization of businesses
Quebec has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the electrification of transportation in recent years. It can count on freight carriers resolutely committed to decarbonization, who have invested massively in charging infrastructures that are currently under-utilized. But without clear, predictable incentives, Quebec risks losing the benefits of investments already made, and weakening its status as a leader in transport electrification.
Suspending the program not only weakens vehicle fleets, but also the entire Quebec ecosystem, from manufacturers to suppliers of charging stations and strategic components. The program is also a response to the current context, offering local business opportunities to manufacturers, dealers and the charging industry.
"Recent announcements concerning the reform of the Fonds d'électrification et de changements climatiques (FÉCC) have heightened concerns about the continuity of electrification programs. Quebec has everything it takes to succeed: a solid industrial ecosystem, innovative companies, renewable energy and a shared determination to accelerate decarbonization. What we need to do now is consolidate what we've already achieved, make the efforts we've made profitable and continue building a genuine Quebec value chain in the electrification of freight and delivery transport," adds Alexis Laprés-Paradis, Acting President and CEO, Propulsion Québec.
"When the Ecotrucking program was stopped without notice a year ago, it caused a real stir among our hauliers, who were forced to suspend their investments in decarbonizing their operations. No news since. The $415 million envelope announced by the Quebec government in its Plan de mise en œuvre du Plan pour une économie verte 2025-2030 seems to have been relegated to the background, while our companies, which continue to improve their energy performance, are calling for the support they deserve to renew their fleets and pursue their essential activities," concludes Marc Cadieux, President and CEO, Quebec Trucking Association.
Testimonials from industry players
"The Ecocamionnage shutdown put the brakes on the deployment of our electric fleet, put several million dollars of investment on hold, and created a real climate of uncertainty in the industry. It even forced us to buy gasoline-powered heavy-duty trucks, even though our planning called for electric models. After months of waiting, we urgently need to obtain clarity and visibility, and maintain support programs for the energy transition, such as Écocamionnage, so that the private sector's efforts can bear full fruit - for the economy, the climate and future generations. Nationex remains determined: Quebec has a head start, let's keep it." - Clément Sabourin, Director of Propulsion Québec and Director of Sustainable Development and Special Projects, Nationex.
"The Ecotrucking program is an essential lever for accelerating the decarbonization of transport, not only in the last mile, which is more visible to the consumer, but also in the first and middle mile, which are often less visible, but just as crucial. For Intelcom, each of our partners who electrifies their operations thanks to this program contributes to building a cleaner e-commerce delivery network. The relaunch of Écocamionnage is essential to support these efforts and enable the entire supply chain to continue its transition to zero emissions." - Sarah Houde, Vice President, Delivery Partner Network, Route Optimization and Global Sustainability, Intelcom.
"The eco-trucking program has been on hiatus for too long. It's time to relaunch action to decarbonize transport and ensure clear, predictable deployment for operators. Our commitment to decarbonizing our fleet is a serious one: we have already invested significant sums in the installation of some fifty charging stations in Quebec and acquired several electric trucks. We believe in it. However, it has become impossible for us to plan and make informed financial decisions without knowing the current status of the EcoTrucking program." - Mélanie Camara, Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, GLS Canada.
"The relaunch of the Ecocamionnage program is essential to enable the assembly of Peterbilt electric trucks to begin at PACCAR's Sainte-Thérèse plant. This program directly supports the adoption of zero-emission technologies in freight transportation, while promoting local manufacturing innovation and the creation of sustainable jobs in Quebec. Many fleets are waiting for it to come back so they can purchase electric trucks produced right here in Quebec. - Martin Blanchet, National Sales Manager, Alternative Energies, Peterbilt of Canada.
"The lack of predictability is holding back our investments and jeopardizing the energy transition. Today, we have an inventory of zero-emission vehicles that should already be on our roads and contributing to decarbonization. The suspension of the Ecotrucking program is putting considerable pressure on our teams, customers and partners, and slowing down the momentum the industry wants to see. Our employees are committed to this transition, and Quebec must stay the course on its emissions reduction targets while sustaining its economic growth. Now is the time for the government to show real leadership, despite the headwinds, to ensure the success of the energy transition." - Maxime Boyer, President, Globocam.
AttriX, Emballages Carrousel, Location Brossard inc. and Simard also support these requests.
