The second-largest province of Canada, Quebec boasts a very diverse economic base, whose biggest drivers of growth include aerospace, life sciences, mining, and technology. In charge of ensuring that Quebec’s economy remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving world is Pierre Fitzgibbon, who has headed the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Energy since October 2022.
To make sure that every economic sector receives appropriate support, Minister Fitzgibbon has adopted a cluster approach, which according to some recognized growth models, identifies which industries, skills, and locations, among others, can be grouped together to maximize benefits and minimize costs to all parties.
At the core of Fitzgibbon's leadership is industry clustering. By bringing together companies and organizations within related fields, he hopes to create an environment where collaboration and knowledge exchange can flourish.
The minister also plans to work with universities that have partnered with companies to foster innovation and ensure that growth is holistic and benefits businesses of all sizes and every Quebecois.
“The government needs to intervene in areas where we can bridge the gap. Quebec has 8.6 million people and the key for me was to find clusters where Quebec could shine and have the right to win. I think there are some sectors that are strategic to us, such as aerospace, aluminum, life science, quantum computing, and automotive,” he explained.
By focusing on high-value sectors like aerospace, minerals, life sciences, and electric vehicles, Fitzgibbon hopes to generate new jobs, attract fresh investment, local and international, boost research and development capabilities, and build Quebec’s brand as the world’s newest hub of industrial innovation.
“I'm not ashamed to go anywhere in the world and meet with CEOs and companies to discuss why they should come to Quebec,” said Fitzgibbon, who hopes that the province will become a model of strategic economic planning and thoughtful leadership.
