The very first edition of the Strategic Meeting on the battery industry took place virtually on January 31, 2022 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, in the company of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Pascale St-Onge, Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation.
Close to 300 participants, including several experts and industry leaders, met to discuss the state of the industry and explore the lever of growth and opportunities it represents for the green transition of our economy.
“The battery industry could give us access to new supply chains. This industry is strategically important to Quebec. We need to understand how we can make the energy transition.” – Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan
“We want to build a world-class ecosystem, from the mine to the recycling plant. By offering stability, predictability and expertise, Quebec and Canada can become leaders in production.” – François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Canada already has a strong presence in the Quebec battery industry. We will continue to support SMEs and provide investments that strengthen this sector and the energy transition.” – Pascale St-Onge, Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
“Quebec has very ambitious objectives for electrifying transportation. We are already leaders in this industry and with $350 million already invested, our strategy for the future is ambitious.” – Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation
Panel – Seizing the opportunities of a promising sector
“The battery industry must focus on an industrial policy in Quebec and Canada that is much broader and does not only deal with batteries, but with batteries for vehicles. To take advantage of this opportunity, we need to consider many different things, including labour, programs, private funding, and research and development. The potential is there.” – Sarah Houde, CEO, Propulsion Québec
Panel – For a complete and 100% local value chain
“We need to be able to tolerate risk. If we wait to be sure of everything, the wave will pass by and we will miss it. It’s important that we find a way to speed things up, support entrepreneurs and be forward-thinking. Everything is in place for doing so. We have the support we need to be successful. Let’s go for it!” – Benoit Couture, President and CEO, Lithion Recycling Inc.
About the Strategic Meeting on the battery industry
The Strategic Meeting on the battery industry was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and presented by Investissement Québec. This event was produced in collaboration with Glencore Canada, in partnership with Lithion Recycling and the Palais des congrès de Montréal and thanks to funding from the Government of Québec.