Québec, May 8, 2026 – The Quebec Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (AQIC) held its annual general meeting yesterday in the Greater Montreal area, bringing together the industry’s key players around a shared objective: to promote and defend a fast-evolving sector that makes a significant contribution to Quebec’s economy.
The event brought together more than 130 participants, including decision-makers from about 100 organizations representing more than 10,000 employees across Quebec.
It gave members an opportunity to review the strategic issues that will shape the coming years, strengthen business ties with key partners, and continue discussions on the development of the hemp and cannabis sector in Quebec. It also helped identify the issues AQIC will put forward during the upcoming election campaign.
“Hemp and cannabis are drivers of economic growth, innovation, and regional development in Quebec. As the general election approaches, our AGM is the perfect opportunity to remind people of that and to make our priorities heard. With a $1.36 billion contribution to Quebec’s GDP in 2025, it is time elected officials fully recognize the importance of our industry,” said Pierre Leclerc, President and CEO of AQIC.
By mobilizing agriculture, processing, distribution, research, construction, and innovation, the sector actively contributes to the economic diversification of Quebec’s regions and to the emergence of new business opportunities across the province.
The AGM also highlighted the major potential of industrial hemp for Quebec, both economically and environmentally. This sector offers growing opportunities in construction, eco-materials, food, and wellness products. It also underscored the benefits of hemp concrete, including its ability to reduce heating needs, sequester CO₂, and contribute to the ecological transition.
Member company CARAY – L’Agroconstruction / Groupe CARAY also presented its hemp processing facility and agro-construction plant project. For the Association, this type of initiative clearly illustrates the role hemp can play in decarbonizing the construction industry, improving and rehabilitating contaminated soils, and generating sustainable economic benefits in Quebec’s regions.
“In the face of climate challenges, soil health concerns, and the need to decarbonize our economy, hemp offers concrete solutions. Our role at AQIC is to bring together, structure, and amplify the voice of hemp producers and businesses across Quebec so that this potential can be turned into real benefits for our regions and for Quebecers,” added Pierre Leclerc.
The general meeting also provided members with the opportunity to meet several important industry stakeholders, including the SQDC, NSLC Cannabis, PEI Cannabis Management Corporation, and Randy Rowe, President and Co Founder of Grow Up Conference, Expo and Awards. These discussions enabled participating companies to strengthen business relationships, better understand certain market dynamics, and explore new growth opportunities.
The AGM also marked the election of two new members to AQIC’s Board of Directors: Mathieu Aubin of Rubicon Organics and Philippe Dépault of Québec Craft Cannabis. Philippe Dépault will also serve as head of the Committee of Micro-Producers and Craft Producers. Through their expertise and commitment, these elections will strengthen the Association’s ability to represent on-the-ground realities and support the strategic development of the industry across Quebec.
With more than 120 members, the Quebec Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association is the voice of the industry with governments and stakeholders. It provides its members with tools, services, and exclusive benefits to support their development, while promoting compliance with the regulatory framework and the achievement of the public health and safety objectives related to cannabis legalization. AQIC’s mission also includes demystifying cannabis and hemp and demonstrating their full potential, whether recreational, culinary, environmental, or industrial.
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