What Every Quebec Business Owner Needs to Know in 2026
Quebec is already a global leader in artificial intelligence research, but the conversation is rapidly shifting from innovation to governance. Customers, insurers and regulators increasingly want to know not just whether you use AI, but how responsibly you use it. Here's what every Quebec business owner should understand about AI governance today and where I believe it's heading.
Bob McTaggart edited with AI
7/28/20265 min read
My post contentAI Governance in Quebec
What Every Quebec Business Owner Needs to Know in 2026
By Bob McTaggart
Quebec has never been afraid to chart its own course.
Whether it's civil law, language, innovation or technology, the province has often developed its own approach while remaining an important part of Canada's economy.
Artificial intelligence is no different.
Quebec is already recognized as one of the world's leading AI research centres, with organizations in Montréal, Québec City and Sherbrooke helping shape the future of artificial intelligence.
That leadership brings opportunity.
It also brings responsibility.
As AI becomes part of everyday business, organizations will increasingly be expected to demonstrate they are using it responsibly.
I believe that's where AI governance begins.
AI Is Already in Quebec Workplaces
Most organizations no longer need convincing that artificial intelligence is useful.
It's already part of daily operations.
Employees are drafting emails with ChatGPT.
Microsoft Copilot is helping prepare reports.
Marketing teams are creating content.
Customer service representatives are preparing responses.
Professional firms are researching clients.
Manufacturers are improving production planning.
Developers are writing software faster than ever before.
Whether management approved every use or not, AI has quietly entered the workplace.
Ignoring that reality won't reduce risk.
Understanding it will.
Quebec Already Has Strong Digital Governance Foundations
One reason Quebec is particularly interesting is that many businesses are already familiar with strong privacy obligations.
The province has some of Canada's most advanced privacy legislation through Law 25, which significantly strengthened the protection of personal information.
Although Law 25 is not an AI law, it reinforces principles that become increasingly important when organizations use artificial intelligence.
Organizations are expected to understand how personal information is collected, used, protected and governed.
Those expectations naturally extend into many AI-enabled business processes.
I believe many Quebec businesses are already further ahead than they realize because they've spent the past several years strengthening their privacy programs.
Canada Is Moving in the Same Direction
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada introduced AI for All, its national strategy supporting responsible AI adoption.
To me, the message is straightforward.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of Canada's economic future.
The discussion is shifting from whether organizations should adopt AI to how they should adopt it responsibly.
That aligns with what I hear from business owners.
Very few ask whether AI is useful.
Most ask how to use it safely, responsibly and without creating unnecessary legal or business risk.
International Customers May Set the Standard
Many Quebec businesses export products and services around the world.
That means international governance matters.
The European Union's AI Act is particularly relevant.
Many organizations assume European legislation only applies to companies operating inside Europe.
That's not always the case.
If your products, software or AI-enabled services reach European customers—or if your clients operate internationally—you may encounter governance expectations originating in Europe.
Even companies serving only Canadian customers may discover multinational clients adopting a single governance standard for every supplier.
That's why I believe Quebec organizations should pay close attention to international developments even when Canadian legislation continues evolving.
Procurement Is Becoming a Driver of Governance
Customers increasingly want reassurance.
They're asking questions such as:
Do you have an AI policy?
How do employees use AI?
Who reviews AI-generated work?
How do you protect confidential information?
Can you demonstrate meaningful human oversight?
Can you explain your governance process?
Those questions aren't unusual anymore.
They're becoming part of normal business.
Cybersecurity followed a similar path.
I believe AI governance will as well.
Insurance Companies Are Watching
Insurance companies evaluate emerging risks long before legislation catches up.
Artificial intelligence introduces new considerations.
Can an organization explain how important decisions were made?
How is confidential information protected?
Who remains accountable when AI contributes to business decisions?
Can leadership demonstrate reasonable governance?
Good governance doesn't eliminate mistakes.
It demonstrates that management acted responsibly and in good faith using the information available at the time.
That matters.
Governance Is About Leadership
Some people picture AI governance as endless documentation and expensive software.
I don't.
Good governance begins with leadership.
Know where AI is being used.
Understand what information employees are sharing.
Decide where human judgment must remain part of important decisions.
Train your people.
Review important outputs.
Document your approach.
Improve it as technology and expectations evolve.
None of that requires perfection.
It requires leadership.
Where I Believe Things Are Heading
In my opinion, Quebec is well positioned to become one of North America's leaders in responsible AI adoption.
The province combines world-class research, strong technology companies and an established culture of digital governance.
Over the next several years we'll almost certainly see additional legislation, regulatory guidance, court decisions and evolving insurance expectations.
We'll also see customers asking more detailed governance questions.
That's not something to fear.
It's how mature governance develops.
Organizations that begin building good governance today will already have the policies, culture and experience needed to adapt as expectations evolve.
Those that wait for every legal question to be answered may spend years catching up.
Five Things You Can Do This Month
You don't need another law to get started.
You can begin today.
1. Identify where AI is already being used throughout your organization.
Many businesses discover more AI use than expected.
2. Develop a practical AI Use Policy.
Clear policies people understand are far more valuable than lengthy policies no one reads.
3. Decide where meaningful human review is required.
Not every decision carries the same level of risk.
Focus on the ones that matter most.
4. Train your managers.
Technology changes quickly.
Leadership responsibilities don't.
5. Begin documenting important governance decisions.
Documentation provides evidence that your organization acted thoughtfully and in good faith.
Moving Forward From Today
Artificial intelligence is already changing how Quebec businesses compete, innovate and serve customers.
The legal framework governing its use will continue evolving for years to come.
That's normal.
The organizations that succeed won't necessarily be those with the newest AI tools.
They'll be the organizations that build trust.
They'll understand where AI is being used.
They'll involve people where judgment matters.
They'll document important decisions.
They'll remain flexible as legislation and expectations evolve.
Quebec has always combined innovation with practical leadership.
I believe those qualities will make the province one of Canada's strongest examples of responsible artificial intelligence in the years ahead.
Editor's Note
Artificial intelligence governance continues to evolve rapidly across Quebec, Canada and internationally. This article reflects publicly available legislation, regulatory guidance, government announcements and other publicly available information available at the time of publication. Future legislation, court decisions and regulatory interpretation will continue shaping AI governance over the coming years.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the author's opinions based on publicly available information available at the date of publication. It is not intended to constitute legal, regulatory, insurance or professional advice. Artificial intelligence legislation, regulatory guidance and judicial interpretation continue to evolve. Organizations should obtain advice from qualified legal, privacy, regulatory or insurance professionals before making decisions relating to AI governance or compliance. References to legislation, government initiatives and international frameworks are intended to promote awareness and should not be interpreted as definitive statements of legal obligation.
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