Montréal, March 18, 2026 - Propulsion Québec, the zero-emission transportation cluster, takes note of the budget presented today by Quebec Finance Minister Éric Girard. The cluster welcomes the measures planned to help companies adapt to the current economic context, and to support investment and innovation. The additional funding for the critical and strategic minerals sector is also welcome. Propulsion Québec reiterates, however, the importance of maintaining programs to promote sustainable mobility.
Ensuring that the ECCF is used to combat climate change
Following the transfer of the accumulated surplus of the Fonds d'électrification et de changements climatiques (FECC) of $1.8 billion to the Generations Fund, Propulsion Québec wishes to reiterate the importance of ensuring adequate funding for existing programs provided for in the Plan de mise en oeuvre du Plan pour une économie verte, notably the Roulez vert, Écocamionnage and Transportez vert programs, the Programme d'électrification du transport scolaire (PETS) and programs aimed at electrifying public transit (PAGTCP and PAGIT). The transportation sector is the largest emitter of GHGs in Quebec. We need to continue our efforts, and do so in tandem with climate change mitigation.
"Quebec must stay the course and continue its efforts in the field of electrification. In an unpredictable and turbulent global context, the constancy of public policies and programs is our best asset for supporting innovation and protecting our jobs. Key programs for the electrification of transport must be relaunched and maintained, as they represent a strategic response to preserving market competitiveness and supporting growth in the industry. We therefore look forward with great interest to the 2026-2031 Implementation Plan of the Plan for a Green Economy, which will be unveiled shortly," says Alexis Laprés-Paradis, President and CEO of Propulsion Québec.
Consider zero-emission transport as a strategic sector
Zero emission transportation is highly strategic for the Quebec economy. In a global context marked by volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions, reducing dependence on imported hydrocarbons is a major economic and energy challenge. Most of the oil consumed in Quebec is imported, whereas electricity is generated locally from renewable resources, generating local economic spin-offs. It's in Quebec's interest to continue the transition to electric mobility, including maintaining the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standard.
Support for the critical and strategic minerals industry
Propulsion Québec welcomes the announcement of $1 billion in funding to make Quebec a leader in the production and processing of critical and strategic minerals, as well as the creation of a new innovation zone in this sector. The critical and strategic minerals sector is highly relevant to the energy transition, particularly in the transportation and green energy sectors.
Other measures of interest to the zero-emission transport industry
- 8.2 billion is planned as part of the 2026-2031 Implementation Plan for the 2030 Green Economy Plan;
- 693 million to help businesses adapt to the new economic context ;
- 150 million over five years to continue promoting and enhancing engineering and information technology disciplines;
- 375 million to support high-potential business investments, particularly in the defense and innovative manufacturing sectors;
- 162.6 million to continue the program to install the charging stations needed to electrify the government's fleet of vehicles, and to acquire buildings to secure owned services;
- Launch of a call for projects, as part of the Innovation program, to stimulate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in priority sectors.
