Quebec’s fleets, trucking groups and clean-transportation advocates — including Propulsion Québec, Globocam, Intelcom, and the Quebec Trucking Association (QTA) — are calling on the provincial government to ‘immediately resume’ the Écocamionnage program, which has been suspended since Sept. 6, 2024.

Decarbonization advocates argue that amid the overall geopolitical context, the prolonged suspension of the program results in further delays in investments and cause a slowdown in the decarbonization of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector in the province.

In a news release, Propulsion Québec said the province made significant strides toward transportation decarbonization in recent years, but the lack of a government incentive over the past year has stalled momentum. The organization said major charging-infrastructure investments are now underused, arguing the pause undermines not only fleets but the entire Quebec ecosystem — from vehicle manufacturers to charging-station suppliers and service providers.

“We have already invested significant sums in installing some 50 charging stations in Quebec and have acquired several electric trucks. We believe in it. However, it has become impossible for us to plan and make informed financial decisions without knowing the current status of the Écocamionnage program,” said Mélanie Camara, director of environment and sustainable development at GLS Canada.

“The heavy transport sector accounts for nearly 30% of transportation sector emissions in Quebec. However, as the demand for transportation and the quantity of goods to be moved increase year after year, overall emissions continue to rise, despite increased efforts by carriers,” said Alexis Laprés-Paradis, Interim CEO of Propulsion Québec. “Quebec cannot afford to slow down now. Relaunching the Écocamionnage program represents an ambitious and sustainable step in supporting decarbonization…Quebec has everything it needs to succeed: a solid industrial ecosystem, innovative companies, renewable energy, and a shared commitment to accelerating decarbonization.”

QTA president and CEO Marc Cadieux said last year’s abrupt suspension created “genuine confusion” among carriers who halted their decarbonization plans. “The C$415 million investment announced by the Quebec government in its 2025-2030 Green Economy Implementation Plan seems to have been relegated to the back burner, while our companies, which continue to improve their energy efficiency, are demanding the support they deserve to renew their vehicle fleets and continue their essential operations.”

“The lack of predictability is hindering our investments and jeopardizing the energy transition. Today, we have an inventory of zero-emission vehicles that should already be on our roads, contributing to decarbonization,” added Maxime Boyer, president, Globocam.

Peterbilt of Canada, Nationex, AttriX, Emballages Carrousel, Location Brossard and Simard are among the other Quebec companies publicly supporting the program’s reinstatement.