Legault Champions Made in Quebec Strategy, Defends Jefo Support as Economic Necessity

In a robust defense of his government’s hands-on economic approach, Premier François Legault has pointed to the province’s backing of animal nutrition giant Jefo as a prime example of Quebec’s interventionist policy paying dividends. The Premier’s comments come amid ongoing debate about the role of the state in fostering and protecting homegrown corporate champions.

“When we have a Quebec company that is a world leader, it is our duty to support it,” Legault stated, framing the government’s involvement as a strategic investment in the province’s economic sovereignty. Jefo, headquartered in the Montérégie region, is a global player in the feed additive sector, with exports reaching over 80 countries.

The Premier’s stance underscores a core philosophy of the CAQ government: that active partnership, rather than a purely laissez-faire attitude, is essential to prevent the loss of head offices and key expertise to foreign buyers. This policy has seen Quebec take equity stakes or provide financial support to a range of firms, from aerospace suppliers to tech startups.

“For Montreal’s business community, this is a familiar and often welcome reality,” said a local economic analyst. “The message is that if you are a Quebec-based innovator with global reach, the government may be a partner to help you scale and remain anchored here. The debate is always about picking the right winners.”

Legault positioned the support for firms like Jefo as a countermeasure against economic centralization elsewhere in Canada, arguing that proactive measures are needed to ensure Quebec’s distinct economy thrives. The defense signals that despite criticism, the government’s strategy of direct economic intervention will remain a cornerstone of its plan for Quebec’s prosperity.