Quebec Business Leaders Call on Future Governments to Set an Economic Ambition That Matches the Province's Potential

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Spearheaded by Andrew Lutfy, Alain Bouchard, Laurent Beaudoin, and Paul Desmarais III, business leaders and next-generation entrepreneurs met today in Montréal for a non-partisan, non-political gathering to turn words into action and deliver a clear message: Quebec must regain its economic ambition.

With Quebec ranking in the bottom 10% compared to Canadian provinces and U.S. states on key prosperity performance indicators, business leaders insist that the status quo is no longer an option. Quebec cannot aspire to world-class services and quality of life without building the economic foundation to support them.

Central to this movement: driving an open dialogue on building collective wealth in Quebec. Not as an end, but as a means of increasing purchasing power, sustainably fund our public services, and create greater opportunities for future generations.

Entrepreneurs are equally clear on their own responsibility. They are not asking the government to carry the weight of collective wealth building. Instead, they are calling for the conditions needed to invest, take risks, build, and grow. Governments must clear the path.  Entrepreneurs, for their part, must deliver.

Quebec has every ingredient to succeed: the talent, the resources, and the driven entrepreneurial community. Now, we must put that ambition to work for all of Quebec.

Quotes

"Ambition without concrete action is just wishful thinking. A clear goal allows us to mobilize, make decisions, and act. Quebec has every reason to be proud of where it stands, but we must have the courage to look at our economic performance with total clarity. The next government must be held accountable and serve as a catalyst for success." -- Andrew Lutfy, Chairman and CEO of Groupe Dynamite, and President and CEO of Carbonleo 

"Entrepreneurship allowed me to build with passion. Philanthropy now allows me to give back. For me,upporting our Quebec community is both a privilege and a responsibility." -- Alain Bouchard, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, Alimentation Couche-Tard

"I stand alongside my fellow business leaders to issue a clear call for conditions in which Quebec entrepreneurship can thrive. We must continue adapting our policies and regulations to give businesses an accessible framework built for growth, investment, and high-quality job creation. By giving our entrepreneurs the tools to succeed, Quebec can expand its economic strength and make its mark on the global stage."-- Laurent Beaudoin

"I have often said that my life's project is to contribute to the success of our entrepreneurs. Let's create the conditions that will allow them to contribute to Quebec's growth, for the benefit of all." -- Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO, Sagard 

About the Initiative

This movement unites Quebec entrepreneurs and executives who are taking an active role in shaping our province's economic future. Its goal is to spark a collective movement around growth, investment, innovation, and wealth creation as essential levers to fund Quebec's social ambitions and secure a vibrant future for coming generations.

This remains an independent, non-partisan initiative. It is driven by a shared conviction: Quebec has the talent and resources to win, but it needs a clear, measurable, and lasting economic vision--and the freedom to unleash its full potential.

SOURCE Initiative #GoQuébecGo

Interviews and Media Relations: Anne Dongois, 514.826-2050, [email protected]