Quebec City Daily Roundup: February 20, 2026

Here’s what you need to know this morning in Quebec City news, politics, business, and sports.

1. Federal Government Backs Industrial Innovation Hub for Quebec City SMEs

Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly announced Thursday morning that the federal government will support the creation of an industrial innovation organization based in Quebec City, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt emerging technologies.

The announcement, made alongside MPs Joël Lightbound and Jean-Yves Duclos at a 9:30 a.m. press conference, targets Quebec and Canadian SMEs looking to integrate innovative technologies into their operations. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between technological development and market adoption, a challenge that has historically slowed productivity growth in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Details on funding levels and the timeline for implementation were expected to be released during the announcement. The organization will reportedly focus on connecting businesses with technology providers, offering assessment services, and facilitating partnerships between research institutions and industry.

Quebec City has positioned itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology adoption, with the provincial capital hosting several research centers and innovation clusters. This federal backing could accelerate the region’s competitiveness in sectors ranging from aerospace to clean technology.

The announcement comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government pushes economic diversification efforts in response to ongoing trade tensions. Recent polling shows 72 percent of Quebecers support the administration’s economic agenda, the highest backing of any province.

2. SAAQclic Report Reveals Government Officials Were Misled

A management report on the troubled SAAQclic project concluded that provincial government officials were systematically misled by leadership at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) about the initiative’s progress and challenges.

The report, which examined the implementation of Quebec’s online driver’s license renewal system, found that senior SAAQ executives presented overly optimistic timelines and minimized technical difficulties when reporting to ministers and their staff. The findings raise questions about oversight mechanisms for major government IT projects.

SAAQclic, launched to modernize vehicle and driver services, faced significant delays and cost overruns. Users reported system crashes, data synchronization issues, and difficulties accessing basic services during the initial rollout. The platform was supposed to streamline interactions with the SAAQ but instead generated thousands of complaints.

The report’s conclusions could have political implications as opposition parties have criticized the CAQ government’s handling of digital transformation initiatives. Questions about accountability and transparency in project management are expected to surface during upcoming legislative sessions.

Government sources indicated that corrective measures are being implemented, including enhanced reporting protocols and third-party auditing of major technology initiatives. The full report is expected to be tabled publicly within the coming weeks.

3. Major Traffic Disruptions Coming in April for Tramway Construction

Quebec City residents should prepare for significant traffic disruptions beginning in April as construction ramps up for the city’s long-awaited tramway project.

The announcements detail road closures, lane reductions, and detours affecting several major corridors through downtown Quebec City and connecting neighborhoods. The disruptions will impact commuters, businesses, and residents as crews begin intensive work on track installation and underground infrastructure.

Key routes expected to see major impacts include sections of Boulevard Charest, Rue de la Couronne, and arterial roads connecting to suburban areas. The city’s transportation department is coordinating with the project’s construction consortium to minimize impacts during peak hours where possible.

Public transit routes will be modified to accommodate the construction zones, with the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) planning service adjustments and additional buses on detour routes. The transit agency has indicated it will release detailed route changes at least two weeks before implementation.

The tramway project, approved after years of debate, will eventually connect key areas of Quebec City with a modern light rail system. The 23-kilometer first phase is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and provide a sustainable transportation alternative once operational. However, the construction period: expected to last several years: will test the patience of residents navigating the evolving road network.

City officials are urging commuters to plan extra travel time, consider alternative routes, and explore telework options where available. A dedicated information portal will provide real-time updates on closures and detours.

4. Quebec City Battles “Disastrous” Pothole Season with Emergency Response

The City of Quebec has deployed emergency road repair crews to address what officials are calling a “disastrous” pothole season affecting local roads across all boroughs.

The combination of freeze-thaw cycles, heavy precipitation, and aging infrastructure has created hazardous driving conditions on residential streets and major thoroughfares alike. Complaints to the city’s 311 service have surged, with residents reporting damage to vehicles and dangerous road conditions.

Public works crews are operating extended hours to patch the most critical damage, prioritizing high-traffic routes and areas where potholes pose immediate safety risks. The city has allocated additional emergency funding to accelerate repairs beyond standard seasonal maintenance budgets.

Borough officials report that some neighborhoods are experiencing the worst road deterioration in recent memory. The problem is particularly acute on secondary roads that haven’t undergone major resurfacing in over a decade. Infrastructure advocates note that the crisis highlights the need for sustained investment in road rehabilitation rather than reactive patching.

Drivers are advised to report potholes through the city’s mobile app or by calling 311. The city has indicated it will assess claims for vehicle damage caused by potholes on a case-by-case basis, though residents must provide documentation and evidence that the pothole was previously unreported.

Mayor officials acknowledge the frustration but note that permanent repairs require warmer, more stable weather conditions. Temporary cold-patch asphalt used in winter repairs often requires follow-up work during summer construction seasons.

5. Quebec Remparts Continue Strong Mid-Season Push in QMJHL

The Quebec Remparts are maintaining momentum through the mid-season stretch of the QMJHL campaign, building on a strong performance in early February that has solidified their playoff positioning.

The team’s recent wins have energized the fanbase at the Videotron Centre, with attendance remaining robust despite the typical winter doldrums. The Remparts’ offensive depth has been a key factor, with balanced scoring preventing opponents from keying on any single line.

Goaltending has also stabilized after early-season inconsistency, providing the defensive reliability needed for sustained success in the competitive league. The coaching staff has emphasized defensive zone coverage and neutral zone transition play, adjustments that are showing results in recent games.

As the team eyes the playoffs, management faces decisions regarding potential trade deadline moves. The Remparts have historically been active in acquiring veteran talent for playoff runs, and this season’s strong performance could justify bolstering the roster for a championship push.

The next few weeks will be crucial as teams jockey for playoff seeding. The Remparts’ schedule includes key divisional matchups that could determine home-ice advantage in the opening rounds. Fans looking for Quebec City sports news can follow the team’s progress as they navigate the stretch run toward what could be a deep postseason campaign.

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