Parliamentary Session Report – Spring 2026
Parliamentary Session Report – Spring 2026
Longueuil, Quebec, June 26, 2026 – With the Spring 2026 parliamentary sessions now concluded in Quebec City and Ottawa, AQT presents an overview of the key issues affecting Quebec's technology industry, along with the progress made through the mobilization and engagement of its members.
QUEBEC: A New Government Team, Continued Focus on Economic and Digital Priorities
The Spring 2026 parliamentary session was marked by the appointment of Christine Fréchette as Premier, along with the appointment or reappointment of key government officials for the technology industry:
- Éric Girard, Minister of Finance;
- Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy;
- France-Élaine Duranceau, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Government Administration, Cybersecurity and Digital Technology
Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the Quebec government focused on supporting SMEs, improving productivity, enhancing government efficiency, and promoting the purchase of Quebec-made goods and services.
CDAE-AI: A Step in the Right Direction for the Industry
The CDAE-AI remained a priority issue for the AQT throughout the parliamentary session. Thanks to AQT's sustained advocacy efforts, supported by its CEO members, several measures addressing key industry concerns and improving tax certainty for technology companies were incorporated into the CDAE-AI as part of the 2026–2027 Quebec Budget.
Among the key changes:
- the inclusion of certain preparatory work within the employee certification criteria;
- the addition of specialized AI consulting services to the list of eligible activities;
- more flexible rules governing the carryforward of the non-refundable tax credit.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence remains at the heart of the Quebec government's priorities. For AQT, the focus now is on supporting AI adoption and commercialization by ensuring businesses have access to the talent, computing infrastructure, and support programs they need.
Public Procurement: Creating Greater Value Through Public Contracts
Modernizing public procurement remains an important lever for stimulating local innovation. AQT continues its efforts to improve technology SMEs' access to public contracts by promoting procurement mechanisms that place greater emphasis on value creation and local expertise.
To support this objective, AQT submitted a brief to the Treasury Board Secretariat as part of the review of the Quebec Government Public Procurement Strategy. The brief is based on consultations conducted with AQT members. The observations, concerns, and recommendations shared by technology CEOs directly informed AQT's representations to the government during this important review of Quebec's public procurement framework.
It is thanks to your contribution and engagement that AQT is able to represent the technology sector before public decision-makers and contribute to the development of public policies that foster innovation and the growth of Quebec businesses.
Read the brief (French only) >>
On June 23, AQT President Nicole Martel attended the unveiling of the new 2026–2030 Quebec Government Public Procurement Strategy in Saint-Georges by France-Élaine Duranceau, President of the Treasury Board. Designed to improve government efficiency and encourage the purchase of Quebec-made goods and services, the Strategy notably includes expanded use of quality-based evaluation criteria, stronger procurement expertise, and the implementation of performance indicators. Several of the priorities announced in the new 2026–2030 Quebec Government Public Procurement Strategy reflect recommendations put forward by AQT on behalf of its members.
Read our press release following the announcement >>
Government Digital Transformation, Digital Sovereignty and Cybersecurity
The digital transformation of government remains a key priority for AQT. Issues related to digital sovereignty, data protection, digital identity, and cybersecurity continue to grow in importance.
AQT encourages the Quebec government to continue modernizing public services by making greater use of the expertise available within Quebec's technology sector.
OTTAWA: AI, Productivity, Defence and Economic Sovereignty
In Ottawa, the now-majority Carney government continued advancing initiatives related to artificial intelligence, computing capacity, cybersecurity, innovation commercialization, and defence.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen Canada's productivity, economic sovereignty, and competitiveness.
Canada's National AI Strategy
The federal government launched its national artificial intelligence strategy, AI for Everyone, aimed at accelerating AI adoption, supporting talent development, building sovereign computing capacity, and fostering the emergence of Canadian AI champions.
This strategy could create new opportunities for Quebec technology companies, particularly in AI adoption, cybersecurity, computing infrastructure, and commercialization.
Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
Cybersecurity remains a federal priority as AI adoption accelerates and the protection of critical infrastructure becomes increasingly important. AQT will continue monitoring programs and initiatives that may support Quebec companies operating in this sector.
Defence: New Opportunities for Technology SMEs
Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy aims to strengthen the country's industrial capacity and increase business participation in strategic supply chains. For technology companies, new opportunities may emerge in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, secure communications, and data analytics.
Productivity, Commercialization and Market Access
Productivity and the commercialization of innovation remain central federal priorities. AQT continues to advocate for policies that support business growth, improve access to first customers, and leverage public procurement as a driver of economic development. The Association will continue to closely monitor developments when Parliament resumes in the fall. l’évolution de ce dossier à la reprise de la session parlementaire d’automne.
AQT Continues Its Advocacy Efforts
AQT will continue to closely monitor issues affecting the growth of Quebec's technology companies, both in Quebec City and in Ottawa.
Our priorities remain clear:
- advocating for a competitive and predictable tax environment;
- improving technology SMEs' access to public procurement opportunities;
- promoting recognition of the essential role technology companies play in improving productivity across all sectors of the economy;
- raising awareness of the technology sector's contribution to economic growth, particularly through the creation of high-quality jobs.
📩 AQT is currently preparing its public affairs agenda ahead of the Fall 2026 elections. Your priorities directly inform our discussions with candidates from all political parties. If you would like to contribute to these discussions or raise an issue that matters to you, please contact our team at info@aqt.ca
Together, we move these issues forward.
