The Green Party of Quebec (GPQ) denounces the Legault government’s decision to allow public institutions such as the Caisse de dépôt et placement and Investissement Québec to invest in weapons production and trade.
According to party leader Alex Tyrrell, this policy represents a dangerous break with Quebec’s pacifist tradition and diverts public funds toward the military–industrial complex.
“Every morning in Quebec, thousands of people go to work to manufacture bombs. These bombs are used to kill Palestinians, to destroy homes, to fuel unjust wars.”
“Quebec must not be complicit in war. We must not fund companies that participate in massacres.”
These words were spoken by Alex Tyrrell during the March for Peace and Disarmament, organized by the Mouvement québécois pour la paix on October 19 at Place du Canada in Montreal.
The event brought together peace activists, unions, student groups, and environmental organizations to say no to austerity, no to NATO, and no to war.
François Legault Opens Public Coffers to the War Industry
In his speech, Alex Tyrrell sharply criticized Premier François Legault and his Minister of Economy, Christine Fréchette, for their decision to “lift the taboo” on public financing of the weapons industry.
“François Legault wants to transform Quebec’s economy into a war economy. He says it’s about creating jobs—but jobs to do what? To build bombs? To kill people? That’s not what a future economy should look like.”
Tyrrell reminded the crowd that this new policy allows the Caisse de dépôt and Investissement Québec to directly fund arms manufacturers such as General Dynamics and Rheinmetall, which produce shells and components used in deadly conflicts, including in Gaza and Ukraine.
“The government is choosing war over the climate. It’s choosing to fund bombs instead of the ecological transition.”
Quebec’s Complicity in War Crimes
Tyrrell also spoke of firsthand testimonies from people who have seen the consequences of war.
“Dr. Sarah Lalonde, a Quebec doctor who worked in Gaza, told me she removed a bullet from a patient. That bullet probably came from a General Dynamics factory right here in Quebec. Think about that: we make the weapons here, and they kill people over there. It’s shameful.”
He emphasized that Quebec cannot claim to be humanist and ecological while fueling the production of weapons used in illegal wars.
The GPQ leader called on the government to shut down weapons factories and support workers in transitioning to civilian, sustainable industries.
“If we truly want to be a society of peace, we have to stop producing weapons. We need to invest in green jobs, in health care, in education, and in fighting climate change.”
For an Economy of Peace and Social Justice
The Green Party of Quebec calls for a full reorientation of public investment toward projects that meet social and environmental needs.
According to the party, a peace-based economy is not only possible—it’s essential for a livable future.
The GPQ advocates for breaking away from NATO and rejecting any policy that subordinates Quebec’s economy to foreign military objectives. The party supports the conversion of weapons industries toward renewable energy, public transportation, social housing, and local food production.
A Call to Mobilize
At the end of his speech, Alex Tyrrell issued a clear call to action:
“Quebec must stand up to the military agenda. We must reject the militarization of our economy and choose a future of peace, social justice, and ecological transition.”
He concluded by thanking the Mouvement québécois pour la paix for its important work in raising awareness, and reaffirmed the Green Party of Quebec’s commitment to opposing militarism in all its forms.
