One of the main consequences of this tightening is the development and implementation of new environmental programs and standards. This situation is of concern to the Regroupement des Industries des Composites du Québec (RICQ), which fears that the effects of environmental restrictions will have a negative impact on their industry. Indeed, since the industry is little known and documented in Canada and Quebec, the RICQ fears that the effects of these programs and standards will be underestimated by government authorities.

It is in this context that the RICQ, in collaboration with Groupe-conseil KPMG SEC, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Industry Canada, is undertaking this study on the Quebec economy and, more briefly, the economic of its industry as well as those of Canada and the United States.

Highlights

• 200 companies have been identified on the territory of Quebec.
• Annual turnover of 1 billion dollars in Quebec while the Canadian turnover is 2.9 billion dollars (36 billion in the United States).
• Economic benefits of $582 million annually.
• Tax and parafiscal benefits of $110 million.
• 6,700 direct jobs, or 1.5% of jobs in manufacturing production in Quebec.
• 2,500 indirect jobs.
• 89% of companies have less than 49 employees.
• The average salary for direct jobs is $27,600.
• 82% of the sector’s production is focused on transport, nautical and construction.
• Quebec represents 33% of the consumption of polyester resin sold in Canada, which in 99 was 14,300 tons.
• The United States consumes 858,000 tons.

Balance between environmental standards and the economic development of our industry.

The objective of this report is not to counter the establishment of environmental standards but rather to provide a better understanding of the composites industry in Quebec and to put economic issues into perspective.

The objective, for the industry as well as for the governmental authorities, is to allow a transition towards environmental standards while allowing economic and technological development for the industry. Since the industry in Quebec is mainly made up of small businesses, the establishment and adherence to standards should allow a balanced transition to reduce the technological polarity between large businesses and SMEs in the industry and ensure their growth.