Legault Defends Quebec’s Hands-On Approach to Economy, Citing Local Wins

Premier François Legault has robustly defended his government’s active role in shaping Quebec’s economic landscape, pushing back against critics who label the strategy as overly interventionist. Speaking to a gathering of business leaders in Montreal this week, the Premier argued that a proactive stance is not just beneficial, but essential for the province’s unique position within North America.

“We are not spectators in our own economy,” Legault stated, emphasizing that Quebec must leverage its powers to protect its linguistic identity and foster homegrown champions. He pointed to recent strategic investments in battery manufacturing and the aluminum sector as prime examples where government partnership has secured high-value projects and thousands of jobs for regions across Quebec.

The Premier’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the appropriate level of state involvement in the market. He countered that Quebec’s model, which includes tools like Investissement Québec and targeted tax credits, is a calculated effort to compete with massive subsidies offered in the United States under acts like the Inflation Reduction Act.

“When our neighbors to the south are investing heavily, we cannot simply stand by,” Legault told the Montreal audience. He highlighted that this approach has directly benefited the metropolitan area, citing the growth of the AI and visual effects hubs as sectors nurtured by supportive policies.

While acknowledging the importance of a healthy private sector, the CAQ leader made it clear that his government will continue to be a decisive player. The goal, he says, is to build a more resilient, self-sufficient Quebec economy that aligns with the province’s social and cultural ambitions.