Quebec Positions Itself as France’s Strategic Partner in AI and Critical Minerals

French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled stronger cooperation between France and Quebec in sectors such as artificial intelligence, research, and strategic development during a meeting with Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Monday.

Speaking briefly to the media after welcoming Fréchette, Macron emphasized the importance of ties between France and Quebec, saying the province could assist France in “many areas,” including research, AI, and strategy. He added that “Quebec is always welcome,” highlighting the close relationship between the two governments.

Before meeting Macron, Fréchette also held talks with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon. During the discussions, Investissement Québec renewed a reciprocal cooperation agreement with Business France. The agreement is designed to help Quebec-based companies expand in France while also supporting French businesses looking to establish operations in Quebec.

A major focus of Fréchette’s visit has been Quebec’s role in the growing global market for critical and strategic minerals. Addressing government officials and business leaders at a roundtable event hosted by the Quebec delegation in Paris, the premier promoted Quebec as a reliable and sustainable supplier for Europe.

Fréchette pointed out that Quebec possesses significant natural resources, noting that the province holds the largest share of Canada’s critical and strategic minerals, with 28 identified minerals available for development. She stressed that Quebec intends to expand the sector responsibly, highlighting the province’s access to clean energy as a competitive advantage.

The discussions come at a time when Europe is planning major investments in defence and industrial security. With the European Union preparing to spend nearly 800 billion euros on rearmament initiatives, Quebec hopes to secure a portion of future defence-related contracts and supply agreements.

According to Fréchette, critical minerals are becoming increasingly important amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising defence expenditures across Europe and North America. She noted that both Europe and Canada are expected to significantly increase defence spending in the coming years, particularly as Canada considers raising its NATO spending target to five percent of GDP.

The roundtable meeting was also attended by Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Christopher Skeete, along with Henri-Paul Rousseau.

Fréchette’s Paris visit marks her second international mission in recent weeks, following an earlier trip to Washington. Her stay in the French capital is scheduled to continue until May 20.