Discover the key insights and strategic perspectives that emerged from these expert discussions:
- Modernize the SLGL corridor to make it a driver of competitiveness. As a major asset connecting to the U.S. Midwest, this corridor must modernize its infrastructure, innovate through data, and strengthen regional collaboration to support Quebec’s diversification and increase maritime traffic. The Quebec–Ontario–Midwest economic and maritime ecosystem generates more than 350,000 jobs on both sides of the border.
- Provide massive support for maritime transport and intermodality. For the SLGL corridor, the contribution to diversification could represent a 25% to 40% increase in maritime traffic over 10 years. The corridor’s development requires reliable infrastructure, public-private risk-sharing, and increased support for the maritime sector. Drawing inspiration from the WESTAC cooperation model would improve dialogue among supply chain stakeholders.
- Boost the transport of critical minerals through the corridor. The critical and strategic minerals industry represents a major opportunity to reposition trade flows along the SLGL corridor, provided there is massive investment in its intermodal logistics. Quebec is home to approximately 30 of the 51 critical minerals identified by Washington, and Canada to just over 45; the SLGL corridor is considered critical to the U.S. economy, which explains certain customs duty exemptions and reinforces economic interdependence.
- Optimizing Canadian markets in the face of dependence on the United States. Despite its historical dependence on the United States, Canada is relying on its free trade agreements to double its exports over the next ten years, even though Quebec’s trade remains heavily influenced by the border effect and interprovincial trade. Today, 76% of Canada’s exports go to the United States, but the domestic economy remains significant, accounting for 70% of GDP.
- Navigating tensions between the United States and China. Faced with the Sino-American rivalry that is reshaping supply chains, Canada is under pressure but remains an indispensable strategic partner for the United States, particularly thanks to its mineral resources. This relative decline in U.S. power is illustrated by the U.S. share of global manufacturing output, which has fallen from about 30% to 15% over the past 30–35 years, while China’s share now exceeds 30%.
- Seizing the European opportunity amid uncertainty. In the face of rising U.S. tariffs and global instability, Europe is emerging as a reliable and stable export partner for effective Canadian diversification. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is yielding very positive results, such as Canadian exports to the EU increasing by approximately 100% in services and by approximately 96% in goods.
- Supporting manufacturing SMEs in their international expansion. Although central to the economy and a major exporter, Quebec’s manufacturing sector is vulnerable. SMEs need targeted support to overcome challenges related to productivity, regulatory complexity, and the fragmentation of public aid. The manufacturing sector accounts for 86.1% of Quebec’s exports, primarily through SMEs, making it particularly vulnerable to economic and geopolitical shocks; since CETA, the number of companies exporting to the EU has increased by approximately 20%, notably among SMEs.
- Harmonize regulations to secure cross-border trade. The North American maritime system, vital for employment, faces regulatory divergences and threats of port fees in the United States. Increased cooperation between the two countries is essential to remove these barriers. Indeed, a roughly 40% increase in regulations over 15 years is hindering investment.
Disclaimer:
The points summarized above reflect solely the data presented and the discussions that took place during the symposium held on March 26. The organizers assume no liability beyond the factual context described herein.