MONTREAL, March 22, 2022 – In the current health context, Propulsion Québec, the cluster for electric and intelligent transportation, understands the importance for the Government of Quebec of supporting the health and education sectors in its 2022-2023 budget. However, the cluster is surprised to note that the measures announced related to the development of the electric and intelligent transportation industry, in the context of the climate emergency, are less present than in previous budgets of this government. We must continue to address the climate emergency, closely linked to the current pandemic and strongly influenced by conflicts and the energy crisis, and continue to invest in the development of this high‑potential industry for Quebec.
“We encourage the government to continue its efforts to accelerate the electrification of Quebec’s economy. It is crucial that the government of François Legault stay the course on the development strategy decided in 2018, which focused on the economically high‑potential sector of electric and intelligent transportation. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the measures announced must enable the deployment of our ecosystem in Quebec. They must also improve the competitiveness of Quebec businesses by fostering innovation and stimulating an economic sector with major impact for future generations,” said Sarah Houde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Propulsion Québec.
Although the government announced $2.2 billion to increase the productivity of Quebec’s economy as well as an additional $1 billion for the 2022–2027 Implementation Plan of the Plan for a Green Economy 2030, the electric and intelligent transportation sector is not yet the subject of a dedicated and prioritized economic strategy.
Highlights
Among the announcements related to transportation, it is pertinent to highlight investments that could have a positive impact on the ecosystem:
- An additional $1.3 billion for the implementation of the new Quebec Strategy for Research and Innovation (SQRI 2022–2027). It is crucial that the government identifies the electric and intelligent transportation sector as a priority in this strategy;
- $117.2 million is granted to the City of Montreal and $49 million to the City of Quebec to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation activities for the period 2022–2023 to 2024–2025;
- Investments of $135.2 million by 2026–2027 to modernize programs in order to ensure a larger pool of competent and qualified workers through vocational training;
- $293 million to further support public transit services;
- $20 million to continue support for intercity bus transportation.
Although the Roulez vert program has been renewed, the reduction of incentives seems premature to us, given the still low adoption rate of electric vehicles observed in Quebec. To truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we must continue to prioritize a rapid and massive adoption of electric vehicles, complementary to public and shared transportation.
Some measures announced today will be specified in the coming weeks, including the details of the various actions and their financial impacts, which will be presented in the 2022–2027 Implementation Plan.
“We will await details regarding the 2022–2027 Implementation Plan of the Plan for a Green Economy 2030 and those of the new Quebec Strategy for Research and Innovation. We hope that these upcoming announcements will place electric and intelligent transportation at the heart of the government’s economic strategy and will be commensurate with the dynamism and potential of our Quebec ecosystem. It is essential that our government continue to make the electrification of Quebec’s transportation a priority if we wish to meet our environmental objectives and create a greener, more prosperous Quebec,” concluded Sarah Houde.
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Highlights
Propulsion Québec attended the unveiling of Quebec’s 2022–2023 budget in order to quickly present to its members the measures adopted related to the electric and intelligent transportation sector.
Discover the most relevant highlights related to electric and intelligent transportation.
