Quebec International: Outstanding Regional Development Champion North America 2026
In 2025, Quebec International generated more than $1bn in regional economic benefits for the fourth consecutive year, despite a volatile geopolitical and economic environment. Foreign direct investment contributed $612m, representing 61.2 percent of the total, while reinvestment projects generated $600m in benefits.
Vantage Data Centers, a data-centre operator supported by Quebec International, contributed $500m through the expansion of its 925,700-square-foot QC24 facility. The project illustrates the economic significance of large-scale digital infrastructure investment for regional supply chains, skilled employment and innovation capacity.
Expansion projects comprised 64 percent of the organisation’s investment portfolio, compared with 36 percent for greenfield investments. Support extended to more than 1,300 businesses, research centres and educational institutions; foreign investment and technology entrepreneurship created or maintained 1,352 jobs. Talent programmes recruited 1,186 workers and students, bringing 2,142 newcomers including families.
A 2026–2028 strategy, developed jointly by the board and executive team following stakeholder consultation, translates regional priorities into measurable commitments. These include supporting 200 new exporters or market entries, planning 200 digital transformation projects, advancing 240 technology-commercialising businesses, attracting 1,500 workers and students, and retaining 1,200 qualified talents.
Public-fund stewardship, private-revenue growth, staff engagement measurement and improved data-led operations form part of the strategy’s control framework. The combination of accountable planning, investment mobilisation and measurable talent and business outcomes demonstrates a disciplined regional-development model. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Quebec International on winning the Outstanding Regional Development Champion 2026 Award (North America).
