Québec’s International Vision complements and extends Québec’s International Policy, which is still in force. In terms of international relations, the government will continue to promote Québec’s identity and interests around the world, while placing greater emphasis on trade and market diversification, as well as on attracting Investments.
The foundations for Québec’s International action
Now more than ever, Québec’s international action will be based on the following three principles:
- Language and culture: the affirmation of our identity
- Proximity: the desire to better serve regions and partners
- From soft diplomacy to economic diplomacy
This vision centres on three action areas
Stronger economic action at the international level
- Attract investments and increase exports.
- Recruit labour and talent.
- Boost Québec innovation in international markets.
- Open the world to educational institutions and young people.
- Contribute to the fight against climate change from a sustainable economic perspective.
Rely more fully on our networks and make them powerful economic levers
- Strengthen Québec’s action with respect to La Francophonie.
- Promote Québec’s culture and artists internationally.
- Consolidate Québec’s standing as a world-class tourist destination.
- Attract more international organizations and events to Québec.
- Mobilize Quebecers who are active in international business networks.
Modernizing international action
- Better high-level coordination.
- The Québec brand: an international positioning strategy.
- Institut de la diplomatie du Québec (Québec Institute of Diplomacy).
- Concerted and enhanced strategic international monitoring.
- Québec government “offices of the future”: true economic and cultural hubs.
Institut de la diplomatie du Québec (Québec Institute of Diplomacy)
The Institut de la diplomatie (Institute of Diplomacy) aims to strengthen the expertise of the Government of Québec’s international relations teams in order to ensure the prosperity of Quebecers and Québec’s influence abroad.
The overall objective is to support the modernization of Québec diplomacy by offering future Québec representatives abroad a comprehensive overview of the profession of diplomacy and developing their skills and know-how in a range of specific fields. It also aims to provide ongoing professional development for heads of post who have already assumed their functions.
The Institut de la diplomatie is under the responsibility of the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie and was established in collaboration with Québec universities, seasoned diplomates and experts in various strategic international sectors. Training provided by the Institut de la diplomatie is reserved exclusively for staff of the Québec government and certain public institutions.
Québec’s network of offices abroad: Key support for economic canvassing
Our well-established diplomatic network distinguishes Québec from other Canadian provinces and federated states on the international scene. Québec can currently rely on a network of 33 offices in 18 countries.
Québec benefits from many advantages for achieving its international ambitions
Participation in major economic agreements
Under current agreements, companies setting up operations in Québec can export tariff free to a number of prominent markets, including the European Union, United States, South Korea, Japan and Mexico. In addition, they are allowed tariff-free procurement in these same countries, thereby reducing the cost of some of their inputs.
A strategic geographic location and a well-integrated transportation infrastructure
Because of its location, Québec provides one of the shortest routes between North America and Europe. Its modern and efficient transportation infrastructure means that goods can be shipped by land, rail, sea or air, or even a combination of two or moreof these modes.
A global innovation hub
Québec has centres of excellence in a broad range of innovative sectors: artificial intelligence, aerospace, video games, visual effects and animation, life sciences and health technologies, software development, clean technologies, financial technologies, data centres, cybersecurity and biofoods.
A leading producer of clean energy
Québec is one of the world’s largest hydropower producers and can provide extensive availability and a stable supply of clean, renewable energy at competitive prices.
Diversified natural resources
Québec has diversified natural resources, in particular significant mineral and forestry resources.
High-quality human resources
Québec has an advanced ecosystem of educational and research institutions, bolstered by the arrival of international workers and students. Montréal is Canada’s university capital and was ranked the best student city in the Americas in 2019 (QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking.).
Competitive operating and living costs
Owing in particular to the accessibility and quality of its universal education, health, justice and childcare systems, which are underpinned by the values of solidarity and inclusion, as well as to the richness of its natural heritage and its great political and economic stability, Québec provides an exceptional living environment to those who choose to live there, whether alone or with their families.
An exceptional quality of life
Owing in particular to the accessibility and quality of its universal education, health, justice and childcare systems, which are underpinned by the values of solidarity and inclusion, as well as to the richness of its natural heritage and its great political and economic stability, Québec provides an exceptional living environment to those who choose to live there, whether alone or with their families.
Last update: March 27, 2023
