Longueuil, February 26, 2026 – AQT used the pre-budget period to remind the government of the realities faced by CEOs of technology companies and the importance of allowing them to operate in an environment where public policies and tax tools provide predictability. While significant changes were made last year to two important measures for the industry, namely the Tax Credit for the Development of E-Business (CDAE), now the CDAE-AI, and the Tax Credit for Research, Innovation and Commercialization (CRIC), AQT submitted a brief to Quebec’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Eric Girard, highlighting on-the-ground realities and putting forward responsible recommendations aimed at supporting Quebec technology companies.
Through consultations conducted with our member CEOs and supported by a comprehensive report prepared by BDO on the impacts of transforming the CDAE into the CDAE-AI, AQT served as a key interlocutor with the government.
While AQT recognizes the Quebec government’s legitimate desire to refocus its efforts and the immense potential of AI for the entire Quebec economy, the BDO report highlights on-the-ground realities from which recommendations were developed to contribute to the informed implementation of government measures.
AQT RECOMMENDATIONS
In this context, AQT presents in its brief a list of recommendations, some specifically aligned with the CDAE-AI and others more general, in order to adapt budgetary policies to the realities faced by CEOs of Quebec technology companies.
To maximize the impact of government interventions
1. Adopt a public policy approach centered on the decision-making and realities of CEOs of technology companies.
For an optimal CDAE-AI
2. Recognize the evolving nature of AI adoption and adapt the CDAE-AI accordingly.
3. Clarify eligibility criteria, particularly with respect to system maintenance and evolution.
4. Ensure a gradual transition that respects operational realities.
5. Strengthen ongoing clarification mechanisms and the dissemination of examples.
To transform innovation into sustainable growth
6. Growth and commercialization: adapt policy levers and align them with the realities of CEOs of technology companies to foster the emergence and growth of innovative SMEs.
7. International: deploy a dedicated international commercialization fund to stimulate the market diversification necessary for our economic sovereignty.
8. Exports: further mobilize trade commissioners.
Like businesses, government authorities must review and evolve their approaches in order to achieve new objectives. Faced with this need for adaptation, we are convinced that the realities of our CEOs of technology companies constitute an essential lever to maximize the effectiveness of government interventions.
This is why AQT will maintain sustained and proactive representation of its member CEOs and will continue dialogue with decision-making authorities. Last January, more than 150 people attended the information session offered by AQT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Investissement Québec. Additional information sessions will be offered to members at a later date.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will inform you of upcoming developments.
