As Quebec’s general election approaches, business leaders are urging the next government to prioritize making the province a more attractive destination for investments. They emphasize the importance of ambitious economic policies that will benefit Quebecers by boosting wages and enhancing social services.
Andrew Lutfy, the CEO of Dynamite Group and Carbonleo, passionately advocates for a shift in mindset among Quebecers, likening the situation to supporting a sports team that continuously ranks last. He stresses the need for a collective desire to succeed economically and sets a bold goal of growing the province’s economy to $900 billion within five years and a trillion within seven.
Highlighting Quebec’s lagging GDP per capita compared to other regions, business leaders stress the urgency for proactive measures to improve the business environment. They call for increased competitiveness rather than relying on subsidies, citing examples like Couche Tard CEO Alain Boucard’s emphasis on fair competition and the negative impacts of preferential treatment for certain companies.
While political uncertainty looms, with discussions around potential referendums, business leaders emphasize that the immediate focus should be on strengthening the economy and fostering a conducive business landscape. Despite differing political views, the consensus among business leaders is clear: Quebecers must embrace a winning mentality and actively advocate for economic growth.
