News Summary

In a recent cabinet shuffle by Québec Premier François Legault, Minister Christopher Skeete has been moved away from the province’s innovation portfolio, impacting the startup and innovation sectors. Christine Fréchette will continue to lead the economy and innovation file, supported by two junior ministers, Samuel Poulin and Eric Girard. Skeete, who was previously a key ambassador for innovation and worked closely with Investissement Québec, a major venture capital source, will now focus on international relations and the French language, along with his duties as Minister for the Fight Against Racism. The shuffle comes amid a drop in Legault’s approval rating and promises of public service cuts. The recent provincial budget introduced the Plan PME 2025-2028, which aims to provide $42 million over three years to support small business productivity, replacing the previous entrepreneurship plan.