Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton asks Political Parties to Make Artificial Intelligence an Economic Priority
Montréal, September 1, 2026 – In an increasingly turbulent economic and business environment, every productivity gain counts. Artificial intelligence (AI) allows Québec businesses to fully leverage their data in order to understand their markets, pinpoint new business opportunities and make better informed decisions, while enhancing their teams’ capacity and performance. Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT) calls on political parties to make concrete commitments aimed at accelerating AI adoption within Québec businesses.
The firm believes that this is a key issue in a landscape dominated by decreased productivity, labour shortages and economic instability. Artificial intelligence is currently one of the most promising tools for helping business leaders to boost efficiency, increase competitiveness and support long-term growth.
Quebec has one of the world’s leading AI research ecosystems, but the adoption of this technology within organizations is insufficient. According to Statistics Canada, only 12% of Canadian businesses reported having used AI to produce goods or deliver services between mid-2024 and mid-2025.
“Quebec doesn’t need another strategy to demonstrate its position as a leader in artificial intelligence. Now is the time to transform this scientific leadership into tangible gains for the province’s businesses. We have both the expertise and talent, but far too many organizations are still unsure who can support them with their AI shift,” states Jonathan Perrier, Vice President and AI Practice Leader, RCGT Advisory Services.
There are several Québec programs linked to artificial intelligence, but readability has become problematic. Due to a range of subsidies, tax credits, sectoral initiatives, support organizations and various levels of government, too many business leaders give up before even beginning the process. At a time when productivity across Québec lags behind several comparable economies, we can no longer allow administrative complexity to slow the adoption of AI.
Two commitments to boost AI adoption
RCGT therefore asks political parties and, accordingly, the next Québec government, to create an AI Path for Québec SMEs. On a single platform, this one-stop shop could group all programs, tax measures, support resources and training programs for businesses that wish to leverage AI to accelerate their transformation.
The firm would also like to see the creation of a Québec Minister of Artificial Intelligence position inspired by the federal government, which has a Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. We currently have two delegate ministers in the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec and the nomination of a Minister of AI has become a priority.
“Québec businesses should be able to not only quickly and efficiently access AI support within the government administration, but also benefit from an integrated process. They also need a captain at the helm. The creation of a Minister of Artificial Intelligence role would send a clear message and finally facilitate the coordination of government efforts around a shared goal: accelerate AI adoption within businesses across Québec,” adds Pierre Fortin, Partner, RCGT Advisory Services.
“The election campaign should be an opportunity to debate not only what Québec would like to accomplish by leveraging artificial intelligence, but also how it intends to help businesses adopt the technology,” summarizes Mr. Perrier.
About Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is a professional services firm dedicated to the success of organizations and their leaders since 1948. The firm’s advisors are committed to helping clients thrive by obtaining a deep understanding of what is important to them, their business and their industry. This knowledge, combined with a team of motivated and talented professionals, helps accelerate growth. A Québec and Canadian leader in the areas of assurance, tax, advisory services and business recovery and reorganization, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton boasts more than 3,200 professionals, including approximately 250 partners, working in some 90 offices across the province of Québec and in the Ottawa and Edmundston regions.
Together with Doane Grant Thornton, another Canadian firm, and the global Grant Thornton organization, our footprint spans across more than 150 countries, with 80,000 employees who provide real insight, a fresh perspective and agility to keep clients moving ahead.
Source :
Francis Letendre
Head, Communications and Public Affairs
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
Phone: 514-390-4201
letendre.francis@rcgt.com
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