Quebec

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Quebec}}
{{Update|section|date=June 2019|reason=Economic data is out-of-date, most is from 2011}}[[File:Edifice_quebec_INRS.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Institut national de la recherche scientifique]] helps to advance scientific knowledge and to train a new generation of students in various scientific and technological sectors.]]
Quebec has an [[Developed country|advanced]], [[Market economy|market-based]], and [[open economy]]. In 2009, its [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of US$32,408 per capita at [[purchasing power parity]] remains lower than the Canadian average of US$37,830 per capita. The economy of Quebec is ranked the 37th largest economy in the world just behind [[Greece]] and 28th for the GDP per capita.<ref>{{cite web|title=Government Statistics|url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/salle-presse/communiq/2005/mars/mars0516a.htm|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219133450/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/salle-presse/communiq/2005/mars/mars0516a.htm|archivedate=February 19, 2006|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Quebec}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Le Québec : une économie dynamique|url=http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/?lang=fr|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215221707/http://gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/?lang=fr|archivedate=December 15, 2010|accessdate=February 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Quebec}}</ref> The economy of Quebec represents 20.36% of the [[List of Canadian provinces and territories by gross domestic product|total GDP of Canada]]. The provincial [[debt-to-GDP ratio]] peaked at 50.7% in 2012–2013, and is projected to decline to 33.8% in 2023–2024.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 14, 2020|title=Canadian Federal and Provincial Fiscal Tables|url=http://www.rbc.com/economics/economic-reports/pdf/canadian-fiscal/prov_fiscal.pdf|publisher=Royal Bank of Canada}}</ref>

Like most [[industrialized countries]], the economy of Quebec is based mainly on the [[services sector]]. Quebec's economy has traditionally been fuelled by abundant natural resources and a well-developed infrastructure, but has undergone significant change over the past decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perspective revue d'analyse économique|url=http://www.desjardins.com/fr/a_propos/etudes_economiques/previsions/en_perspective/per1003.pdf|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=caisse desjardins}}</ref> Firmly grounded in the [[knowledge economy]], Quebec has one of the highest growth rates of GDP in Canada. The knowledge sector represents about 30.9% of Quebec's GDP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Le Québec : une économie dynamique|url=http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/contenu/publications/etudes_statistiques/innovation/economie_savoir.pdf|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706202311/http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/contenu/publications/etudes_statistiques/innovation/economie_savoir.pdf|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=February 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Quebec|language=fr}}</ref> In 2011, Quebec experienced faster growth of its [[Research and development|research-and-development]] (R&D) spending than other Canadian provinces.<ref>{{cite web|title=L'expertise québécoise en haute technologie|url=http://www.investquebec.com/fr/index.aspx?page=340|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527131408/http://www.investquebec.com/fr/index.aspx?page=340|archivedate=May 27, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Investissement Québec}}</ref> Quebec's spending in R&D in 2011 was equal to 2.63% of GDP, above the [[European Union]] average of 1.84% and will have to reaches the target of devoting 3% of GDP to research and development activities in 2013 according to the [[Lisbon Strategy]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Sauvé, Mathieu-Robert|date=May 19, 2010|title=Une cible de 3% pour la science|url=https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/science-et-technologie/289219/une-cible-de-3-pour-la-science|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808152509/http://www.ledevoir.com/societe/science-et-technologie/289219/une-cible-de-3-pour-la-science|archivedate=August 8, 2011|website=Le Devoir|language=fr}}</ref> The percentage spent on research and technology is the highest in Canada and higher than the averages for the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] and the [[G7]] countries.<ref>{{cite web|author=Le Cours, Rudy|date=July 30, 2010|title=L'économie du savoir en mutation au Québec|url=http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201007/30/01-4302438-leconomie-du-savoir-en-mutation-au-quebec.php|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730221229/http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/quebec/201007/30/01-4302438-leconomie-du-savoir-en-mutation-au-quebec.php|archivedate=July 30, 2010|website=La Presse Affaire|language=fr}}</ref>

Some of the most important companies from Quebec are: [[Bombardier Inc|Bombardier]], [[Desjardins Group|Desjardins]], the [[National Bank of Canada]], the [[Jean Coutu Group]], [[Transcontinental (company)|Transcontinental média]], [[Quebecor]], the [[Metro Inc.|Métro Inc.]] food retailers, [[Hydro-Québec]], the [[Société des alcools du Québec]], the [[Bank of Montreal]], [[Saputo Inc|Saputo]], the [[Cirque du Soleil]], the [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]], the Normandin restaurants, and [[Vidéotron]].

===Exports and imports===
[[File:EXPORT_quebec_USA_Chine.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Quebec's exports to the international market. The United States is the country which buys the most exports from Quebec by far. (2011)]]
Thanks to the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) and the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), Quebec had, {{as of|2009|lc=on}}, experienced an increase in its exports and in its ability to compete on the international market. International exchanges contribute to the strength of the Quebec economy.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |date=2009 |title=Portail Québec, Importation et exportation 2008 |url=http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/importexport/?lang=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016053257/http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/importexport/?lang=fr |archive-date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=Gouvernement du Québec}}</ref> NAFTA is especially advantageous as it gives Quebec, among other things, access to a market of 130 million consumers within a radius of 1,000 kilometres.

In 2008, Quebec's exports to other provinces in Canada and abroad totalled 157.3 billion [[Canadian dollar|CND$]], or 51.8% of Quebec's [[gross domestic product]] (GDP). Of this total, 60.4% were international exports, and 39.6% were interprovincial exports. The breakdown by destination of international merchandise exports is: United States (72.2%), Europe (14.4%), Asia (5.1%), Middle East (2.7%), Central America (2.3%), South America (1.9%), Africa (0.8%) and Oceania (0.7%).<ref name=":02" />

In 2008, Quebec imported $178 billion worth of goods and services, or 58.6% of its GDP. Of this total, 62.9% of goods were imported from international markets, while 37.1% of goods were interprovincial imports. The breakdown by origin of international merchandise imports is as follows: United States (31.1%), Europe (28.7%), Asia (17.1%), Africa (11.7%), South America (4.5%), Central America (3.7%), Middle East (1.3%) and Oceania (0.7%).<ref name=":02" />

===Primary sector===
[[File:Centrale_de_Beauharnois_-_2014.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Beauharnois generating station]], operated by [[Hydro-Québec]]]]
Quebec produces most of Canada's [[hydroelectricity]] and is the second biggest hydroelectricity producer in the world (2019).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.one-neb.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/snpsht/2016/06-04cndscndwrld-fra.html |title=Aperçu du marché : Le Canada, deuxième producteur mondial d'hydroélectricité|publisher=Government of Canada|date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> Because of this, Quebec has been described as a potential [[clean energy]] superpower.<ref>{{cite web|author=Séguin, Hugo|date=April 13, 2010|title=Le Québec, la puissance énergétique verte du continent?|url=http://www.equiterre.qc.ca/choix-de-societe/blog/le-quebec-la-superpuissance-energetique-verte-du-continent|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706200534/http://www.equiterre.qc.ca/choix-de-societe/blog/le-quebec-la-superpuissance-energetique-verte-du-continent|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=April 28, 2011|publisher=Équiterre|language=fr}}</ref> In 2019, Quebec's electricity production amounted to 214 [[terawatt]]-hours (TWh), 95% of which comes from hydroelectric power stations, and 4.7% of which come from [[wind energy]]. The public company [[Hydro-Québec]] occupies a dominant position in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity in Quebec. Hydro-Québec operates 63 hydroelectric power stations and 28 large reservoirs.<ref name="hydroquebec.com2">{{cite web|title=Notre énergie est propre et renouvelable|url=https://www.hydroquebec.com/a-propos/notre-energie.html|accessdate=September 6, 2020|publisher=Hydro-Québec}}</ref> Because of the remoteness of Hydro-Québec's [[Hydro-Québec's electricity transmission system|TransÉnergie]] division, it operates the largest electricity transmission network in North America. Quebec stands out for its use of [[renewable energy]]. In 2008, electricity ranked as the main form of energy used in Quebec (41.6%), followed by [[oil]] (38.2%) and [[natural gas]] (10.7%).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife|title=Consommation d'énergie par forme|url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/energie/statistiques/statistiques-consommation-forme.jsp|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706201639/http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/energie/statistiques/statistiques-consommation-forme.jsp|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=April 28, 2011|language=fr}}</ref> In 2017, 47% of all energy came from renewable sources.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=8}} The Quebec government's energy policy seeks to build, by 2030, a [[low carbon economy]].

Quebec ranks among the top ten areas to do business in mining in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Le Québec est le chouchou de l'industrie minière|url=http://lasentinelle.canoe.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=141789&id=999|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120720051111/http://lasentinelle.canoe.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=141789&id=999|archivedate=July 20, 2012|accessdate=July 3, 2011|publisher=Canoe.ca|language=fr}}</ref> In 2011, the [[mining industry]] accounted for 6.3% of Quebec's GDP<ref>{{cite web|title=Industrie minière et substances exploitées|url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/index.jsp|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421053508/http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/index.jsp|archivedate=April 21, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Government of Quebec|language=fr}}</ref> and it employed about 50,000 people in 158 companies.<ref name="amq-inc2">{{cite web|url=http://www.amq-inc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=34|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321162047/http://www.amq-inc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=34|archivedate=March 21, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=AMQ inc.|language=fr|title=Industrie minière au Québec}}</ref> It has around 30 mines, 158 exploration companies and 15 primary processing industries. While many metallic and industrial minerals are exploited, the main ones are gold, iron, copper and [[zinc]]. Others include: [[titanium]], [[asbestos]], silver, [[magnesium]] and nickel, among many others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Substances exploitées au Québec|url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/industrie-substances.jsp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617031904/http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/industrie-substances.jsp|archivedate=June 17, 2007|accessdate=August 16, 2007|publisher=Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune}}</ref> Quebec is also as a major source of diamonds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diamants au Québec|url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/gemmes/gemmes-diamant.jsp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706201736/http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mines/industrie/gemmes/gemmes-diamant.jsp|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=December 10, 2009|publisher=Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune}}</ref> Since 2002, Quebec has seen an increase in its mineral explorations. In 2003, the value of mineral exploitation reached $3.7&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Institut de la statistique du Québec|date=July 17, 2006|title=Industrie minière: valeur des expéditions, selon les principales substances minérales, Québec|url=http://www.bdso.gouv.qc.ca/pls/ken/p_afch_tabl_clie?p_no_client_cie=FR&p_param_id_raprt=843|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706200539/http://www.bdso.gouv.qc.ca/pls/ken/p_afch_tabl_clie?p_no_client_cie=FR&p_param_id_raprt=843|archivedate=July 6, 2011|work=Banque de données des statistiques officielles}}</ref>

The [[Agrifood|agri-food industry]] plays an important role in the economy of Quebec, with meat and [[dairy product]]s being the two main sectors. It accounts for 8% of the Quebec's GDP and generate $19.2&nbsp;billion. In 2010, this industry generated 487,000 jobs in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing of food, beverages and tobacco and food distribution.<ref>{{cite web|title=Agri-Food Trade Service|url=http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/reg/4710-eng.htm|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181403/http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/reg/4710-eng.htm|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Agriculture and Agri-food Canada}}</ref>

===Secondary sector===
[[File:Bombardier_CSeries_mockup.jpg|thumb|A mockup of the [[Airbus A220]] (formerly the Bombardier CSeries), originally developed by [[Bombardier Aerospace]]]]
In 2021, Quebec's [[aerospace industry]] employed 35,000 people and its sales totalled C$15.2&nbsp;billion. Many aerospace companies are active here, including [[CMC Electronics]], [[Bombardier Aerospace|Bombardier]], [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]], [[Héroux-Devtek]], [[Rolls-Royce Holdings|Rolls-Royce]], [[General Electric]], [[Bell Textron]], [[L3Harris]], [[Safran]], [[SONACA]], [[CAE Inc.]], and [[Airbus]], among others. Montreal is globally considered one of the aerospace industry's great centres, and several international aviation organisations seat here.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation|title=Aérospatiale / Présentation de l'industrie de l'aérospatiale|url=https://www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/informer/par-secteur-dactivite/aerospatiale/page/le-secteur-10812/?tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5Bmode%5D=single |accessdate=May 8, 2022 |language=fr}}</ref> Both Aéro Montréal and the CRIAQ were created to assist aerospace companies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quebec's Aerospace Cluster |url=https://www.aeromontreal.ca/ |website=aeromontreal.ca|accessdate=May 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Consortium de recherche et d'innovation en aérospatiale au Québec |url=https://www.criaq.aero/ |language=fr-FR|publisher=CRIAQ|accessdate=May 8, 2022}}</ref>

The [[pulp and paper industry]] accounted for 3.1% of Quebec's GDP in 2007 <ref>{{cite web|title=Portraits forestiers régionaux|url=http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/grip/dr/facq/contsoci.htm|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910230852/http://www.er.uqam.ca/nobel/grip/dr/facq/contsoci.htm|archivedate=September 10, 2007|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec}}</ref> and generated annual shipments valued at more than $14&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Encore "dix ans difficiles" pour l'industrie forestière|url=http://www.abitibiexpress.ca/Economie/Ressources-naturelles/2010-11-04/article-1923283/Encore-%26laquo%3Bdix-ans-difficiles%26raquo%3B-pour-l%26rsquo%3Bindustrie-forestiere/1|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163954/http://www.abitibiexpress.ca/Economie/Ressources-naturelles/2010-11-04/article-1923283/Encore-%26laquo%3Bdix-ans-difficiles%26raquo%3B-pour-l%26rsquo%3Bindustrie-forestiere/1|archivedate=July 6, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Abitibi expresse}}</ref> This industry employs 68,000 people in several regions of Quebec.<ref>{{cite web|title=Portraits forestiers régionaux|url=http://www.cifq.qc.ca/html/francais/centre_mediatique/portrait.php|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125114405/http://www.cifq.qc.ca/html/francais/centre_mediatique/portrait.php|archivedate=January 25, 2010|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Conseil de l'industrie forestière du Québec|language=fr}}</ref> It is also the main -and in some circumstances only- source of manufacturing activity in more than 250 municipalities in the province. The forest industry has slowed in recent years because of the [[United States – Canada softwood lumber dispute|softwood lumber dispute]].<ref>{{cite web|date=February 2006|title=CRISE dans l'industrie forestière|url=http://magazinemci.com/2006/02/01/crise-dans-lindustrie-forestiere/|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714020151/http://magazinemci.com/2006/02/01/crise-dans-lindustrie-forestiere/|archivedate=July 14, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Corridors de commerce FCCQ}}</ref> In 2020, this industry represented 8% of Quebec's exports.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 30, 2021|title=L'industrie forestière innove pour lutter contre les changements climatiques|url=https://www.lequotidien.com/2021/11/30/lindustrie-forestiere-innove-pour-lutter-contre-les-changements-climatiques-18418eeeafea625bbb6c18b33897c536|access-date=January 14, 2022|website=Le Soleil|language=fr}}</ref>

As Quebec has few significant deposits of [[fossil fuel]]s,{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=10}} all [[hydrocarbon]]s are imported. [[Refinery|Refiners']] sourcing strategies have varied over time and have depended on market conditions. In the 1990s, Quebec purchased much of its oil from the [[Brent Crude|North Sea]]. Since 2015, it now consumes almost exclusively the crude produced in [[western Canada]] and the United States.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=9}} Quebec's two active refineries have a total capacity of 402,000 barrels per day, greater than local needs which stood at 365,000 barrels per day in 2018.{{sfn|Whitmore|Pineau|2020|p=10}}

Thanks to hydroelectricity, Quebec is the world's fourth largest [[Aluminium foil|aluminum]] producer and creates 90% of Canadian aluminum. Three companies make aluminum here: [[Rio Tinto (corporation)|Rio Tinto]], [[Alcoa]] and Aluminium Alouette. Their 9 ''alumineries'' produce 2,9 million tons of aluminum annually and employ 30,000 workers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=l'Innovation |first=Ministère de l'Économie et de |title=Aluminium / Présentation de l'industrie de l'aluminium - MEI |url=https://www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/informer/par-secteur-dactivite/metallurgie/aluminium/page/le-secteur-19764/?no_cache=1&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5Bmode%5D=single&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BbackPid%5D=19755&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BcurrentCat%5D= |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation |language=fr}}</ref>

===Tertiary sector===
The [[Financial services|finance and insurance]] sector employs more than 168,000 people. Of this number, 78,000 are employed by the banking sector, 53,000 by the insurance sector and 20,000 by the securities and investment sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Québec |first=Institut de la statistique du |title=Emploi par industrie selon l'Enquête sur l'emploi, la rémunération et les heures de travail (EERH), Québec, 2005-2011 |url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/insti_finnc_coopr/inst_fin/emploi_qc_05_11.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125212707/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/insti_finnc_coopr/inst_fin/emploi_qc_05_11.htm#federation=archive.wikiwix.com |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=archive.wikiwix.com |language=fr-CA }}</ref> The [[Bank of Montreal]], founded in 1817 in Montreal, was Quebec's first bank but, like many other large banks, its central branch is now in Toronto. Several banks remain based in Quebec [[National Bank of Canada]], the [[Desjardins Group]] and the [[Laurentian Bank of Canada|Laurentian Bank]].
[[File:Chateau_Frontenac_2.jpg|thumb|The [[Château Frontenac]] is the most photographed hotel in the world.]]
The [[Tourism in Quebec|tourism industry]] is a major sector in Quebec. The [[Ministry of Tourism (Quebec)|Ministry of Tourism]] ensures the development of this industry under the commercial name "Bonjour Québec".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca |title=Bonjour-Quebec|publisher=Ministry of Tourism|accessdate=September 12, 2021}}</ref> Quebec is the second most important province for tourism in Canada, receiving 21.5% of tourists' spending (2021).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/tourisme-chiffres-2014.pdf|title=Chiffres tourisme|publisher=Government of Quebec|accessdate=September 12, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006151519/https://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/tourisme-chiffres-2014.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The industry provides employment to over 400,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/Tourisme-chiffres2009.pdf|title=Le tourisme en chiffres|publisher=Government of Quebec|accessdate=September 12, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006151621/http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/Tourisme-chiffres2009.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> These employees work in the more than 29,000 tourism-related businesses in Quebec, most of which are restaurants or hotels. 70% of tourism-related businesses are located in or close to Montreal or Quebec City. It is estimated that, in 2010, Quebec welcomed 25.8 million tourists. Of these, 76.1% came from Quebec, 12.2% from the [[rest of Canada]], 7.7% from the United States and 4.1% from other countries. Annually, tourists spend more than $6.7 billion in Quebec's tourism industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/TqBref2008.pdf|title=Le touisme en bref|publisher=Government of Quebec|accessdate=September 12, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828194347/http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/publications/media/document/etudes-statistiques/TqBref2008.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Quebec's [[Information technology|IT]] sector has 7,600 businesses and employs 140,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |title=Services informatiques et logiciels |url=http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?rubrique=27 |url-status=dead |publisher=Investissement Québec |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527124352/http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?rubrique=27 |archivedate=May 27, 2011 |accessdate=June 23, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Investir en TIC, innovation et créativité &#124; Investissement Québec |url=http://www.invest-quebec.com/fr/investissement-direct-etranger/technologies-information-communications/innovation-creativite.html |url-status=dead |website=Invest-quebec.com |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002172230/http://www.invest-quebec.com/fr/investissement-direct-etranger/technologies-information-communications/innovation-creativite.html |archivedate=October 2, 2013 |accessdate=September 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=l'Innovation |first=Ministère de l'Économie et de |title=Le secteur / Aperçu de l'industrie des technologies de l'information et des communications - MEI |url=https://www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/bibliotheques/secteurs/technologies-de-linformation-et-des-communications/apercu-de-lindustrie-des-technologies-de-linformation-et-des-communications/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation |language=fr}}</ref> Its most developed sectors are [[telecommunications]], multimedia and video game software, computer services, microelectronics, and the components sector. There are currently 115 telecommunications companies established in the province, including [[Motorola]], [[Ericsson]] and Mitec.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|title=Perspective|url=http://www.desjardins.com/fr/a_propos/etudes_economiques/previsions/en_perspective/per1003.pdf|website=Desjardins.com|language=fr}}</ref> The multimedia and video game sector has been growing fast since the early 2000s. The Digital Alliance, which claims 191 active members in video games, online education, mobility and Internet services, estimates the annual revenue of the sector at $827 million in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Se projeter dans l'avenir |url=https://www.ledevoir.com/economie/455230/sommet-du-jeu-video-se-projeter-dans-l-avenir |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Le Devoir |language=fr}}</ref> The microelectronics sector is made up of more than 100 companies employing 13,000 people. Computer services, software development, and consulting engineering employ 60,000 skilled workers. While the largest IT employers are [[CMC Electronics]], [[IBM]], and [[Matrox]], many other tech companies are present here, including [[Ubisoft Montreal|Ubisoft]], [[Electronic Arts]], [[Microids]], [[Strategy First]], [[Eidos-Montréal|Eidos]], [[Activision]], [[Artificial Mind and Movement|A2M]], [[Frima Studio]], etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=convert |url=http://alliancenumerique.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/M%25C3%25A9moire_Alliance_num%25C3%25A9rique.pdf/index.html#federation=archive.wikiwix.com |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=archive.wikiwix.com}}{{dead link|date=January 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
[[File:Apollo_11_Lunar_Module_Eagle_in_landing_configuration_in_lunar_orbit_from_the_Command_and_Service_Module_Columbia.jpg|thumb|In 1969, [[Héroux-Devtek]] designed and manufactured the [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] of the [[Apollo Lunar Module]].]]
Approximately 1.1&nbsp;million Quebecers work in the field of science and technology.<ref name="R&D2">{{cite web|publisher=Investissement Québec|title=The Benefits of Investing in Québec Research & Development|url=http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=336|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527123940/http://www.investquebec.com/en/index.aspx?page=336|archivedate=May 27, 2011|accessdate=February 23, 2011}}</ref> In 2007, the [[Government of Quebec]] launched the Stratégie québécoise de la recherche et de l'innovation (SQRI) aiming to promote development through research, science and technology. The government hoped to create a strong culture of innovation in Quebec for the next decades and to create a [[sustainable economy]].<ref name="SQRI2">{{cite web|title=Stratégie québécoise de la recherche et de l'innovation (SQRI) 2010–2013|url=http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/informer/promotion-de-la-science-et-de-la-technologie/page/strategies-10457/?tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5Bmode%5D=single&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BbackPid%5D=414&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BcurrentCat%5D=&cHash=92205d14fab28502662407daf5adfa2f|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501170553/http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/informer/promotion-de-la-science-et-de-la-technologie/page/strategies-10457/?tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5Bmode%5D=single&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BbackPid%5D=414&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5BcurrentCat%5D=&cHash=92205d14fab28502662407daf5adfa2f|archivedate=May 1, 2012|accessdate=January 19, 2012|publisher=Gouvernement du Québec|language=fr}}</ref>

Quebec is considered one of world leaders in [[Basic research|fundamental scientific research]], having produced ten [[Nobel Prize|Nobel laureates]] in either physics, chemistry, or medicine.<ref>{{cite web|author=Perreault, Mathieu|title=Dix Nobel au Québec|url=http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/dossiers/prix-nobel-2009/200910/10/01-910310-dix-nobel-au-quebec.php|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124175119/http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/dossiers/prix-nobel-2009/200910/10/01-910310-dix-nobel-au-quebec.php|archivedate=January 24, 2011|accessdate=February 23, 2011|publisher=Cyberpresse.ca|language=fr}}</ref> It is also considered one of the world leaders in sectors such as aerospace, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and therefore plays a significant role in the world's scientific and technological communities.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Government of Quebec|title=Science and Technology: Portal of the government of Québec|url=http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/sciencestechnologies/?lang=en|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217060340/http://gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/portrait/economie/sciencestechnologies/?lang=en|archivedate=December 17, 2010|accessdate=February 23, 2011}}</ref> Between 2000 and 2011, Quebec had over 9,469 scientific publications in biomedical research and engineering.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Institut de la statistique du Québec|title=Québec had 195 triadic inventions patented|url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/savoir/index_an.htm|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612111434/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/savoir/index_an.htm|archivedate=June 12, 2011|accessdate=February 23, 2011}}</ref> The contribution of Quebec in science and technology represented approximately 1% of the research worldwide between the 1980s and 2009.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Institut de la statistique du Québec|title=Nombre de publications scientifiques en sciences naturelles et génie, Québec, Ontario, pays du G8, pays nordiques, certains pays émergents et monde, et part dans le total mondial, 1980 à 2009|url=http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/savoir/indicateurs/publications/pub_pays_total.htm|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402145402/http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/savoir/indicateurs/publications/pub_pays_total.htm|archivedate=April 2, 2012|accessdate=October 11, 2011}}</ref>

The province is one of the world leaders in the field of [[space science]] and contributed to important discoveries in this field.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Investissement Québec|year=2010|title=Aerospace in Quebec|url=http://www.investquebec.com/documents/en/secteur/Aerospace.pdf|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527221548/http://www.investquebec.com/documents/en/secteur/Aerospace.pdf|archivedate=May 27, 2011|accessdate=May 3, 2010}}</ref> One of the most recent is the discovery of the complex [[extrasolar planet]]s system [[HR 8799]]. HR 8799 is the first direct observation of an exoplanet in history.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 9, 2010|title=A fourth planet around the star HR 8799|url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/science/2010/12/09/001-exoplanete-hr8799e-marois.shtml|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020818/http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/science/2010/12/09/001-exoplanete-hr8799e-marois.shtml|archivedate=April 19, 2014|publisher=Radio-Canada|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=January 21, 2009|title=A trio of astronomers awarded|url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/science/2009/01/21/001-Embargo-scientifiques2008.shtml|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015952/http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/science/2009/01/21/001-Embargo-scientifiques2008.shtml|archivedate=April 19, 2014|publisher=Radio-Canada|language=fr}}</ref> The [[Canadian Space Agency]] was established in Quebec due to its major role in this research field. A total of four Quebecers have been in space since the creation of the CSA: [[Marc Garneau]], [[Julie Payette]], and [[David Saint-Jacques]] as CSA astronauts, plus [[Guy Laliberté]] as a private citizen who paid for his trip. Quebec has also contributed to the creation of some Canadian [[artificial satellite]]s including [[SCISAT-1]], [[ISIS (satellite)|ISIS]], [[Radarsat-1]] and [[Radarsat-2]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Space Agency|date=May 7, 2001|title=RADARSAT-1 Climate Change|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/radarsat/q-a.asp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826024711/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/radarsat/q-a.asp|archivedate=August 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Space Agency|title=Construction and cost|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat1/construction.asp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826024726/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat1/construction.asp|archivedate=August 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Space Agency|title=SCISAT Team and partners|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/scisat/contractors.asp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826024702/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/scisat/contractors.asp|archivedate=August 26, 2011}}</ref>

Quebec ranks among the world leaders in the field of [[life science]].<ref name="emergex2">{{cite web|date=November 30, 2005|title=La recherche et le développement au Québec|url=http://www.emergex.com/fr/content/rd_quebec.aspx|publisher=EMERGEX|language=fr|access-date=March 6, 2011|archive-date=July 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710190032/http://www.emergex.com/fr/content/rd_quebec.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[William Osler]], [[Wilder Penfield]], [[Donald Olding Hebb|Donald Hebb]], [[Brenda Milner]], and others made significant discoveries in medicine, [[neuroscience]] and [[psychology]] while working at [[McGill University]] in Montreal. Quebec has more than 450 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies which together employ more than 25,000 people and 10,000 highly qualified researchers.<ref name="emergex2" /> Montreal is ranked fourth in North America for the number of jobs in the pharmaceutical sector.<ref name="emergex2" /><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Investissement Québec|title=Life sciences|url=http://www.investquebec.com/documents/en/publications/BrochureSciences2010_en.pdf|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527205103/http://www.investquebec.com/documents/en/publications/BrochureSciences2010_en.pdf|archivedate=May 27, 2011|accessdate=July 5, 2011}}</ref>