Buying Local Could Add $3 Billion to Quebec's Economy Annually
A new study shows that if each Quebec household spent just $25 more per week on locally made non-food products, the province could see major economic gains and support nearly 29,000 jobs.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A new study released Wednesday suggests that modest changes in consumer spending could generate roughly $3 billion in annual economic benefits for Quebec.
Les Produits du Québec released results of a simulation showing that if each Quebec household spent an additional $25 per week on locally made non-food products instead of imported goods, the province could see significant gains. The study, conducted by AppEco in collaboration with Quebec's Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, estimates the shift could support or create nearly 29,000 jobs and generate about $180 million in government revenue each year.
"Quebecers don't need to spend more, they just need to spend differently," says Elfi Morin, Executive Director of Les Produits du Québec. "This change, however simple it may be, could generate billions of dollars for our economy and provide concrete support to local businesses."
The research also points to environmental gains. According to the simulation, the change in spending habits could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually by decreasing the transportation of imported goods.
Daniel Bernard, Minister for the Economy and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, said the findings underscore Quebec's economic strength. "In the current context, buying local is no longer just a matter of pride, it's an economic act."