Quebec: answering trades owners' marketing questions

What does the Quebec trades market look like?

Short answer: Greater Montréal and Québec City dominate, with Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Lévis and Saguenay as substantial markets in their own right.

Montréal and its suburbs are dense and competitive, with buyers searching mostly in French and some in English. Québec City and Lévis form a second major market. Gatineau sits across the river from Ottawa, so some businesses serve both provinces and need to manage two sets of rules. Sherbrooke and Saguenay are regional centres where a strong reputation can carry a company a long way.

How do climate and season shape marketing here?

Short answer: cold, snowy winters and a long heating season, especially away from the St. Lawrence lowlands.

According to Statistics Canada, 70% of Quebec households used electricity for their main heating system in 2023, with natural gas at 5% and wood at 4%. For heating trades, that puts heat pumps, electric systems and their rebates at the centre of demand. Snow load, ice and spring melt drive roofing and drainage work.

What do the French-language rules mean for marketing?

Short answer: plan every channel in French first, and treat English as an addition.

The Office québécois de la langue française explains the rules for businesses. In plain terms: French must be clearly predominant in public signs and commercial advertising, websites and social media aimed at Quebec customers must be available in French, and since June 1, 2025, a non-French trademark or business name shown outside premises needs accompanying French terms. That reaches your truck lettering, your Google Business Profile, your ads and your site.

I'm summarizing, not advising. For your specific case, read the OQLF guidance or ask a lawyer.

Which regulators should a Quebec trades business know?

Short answer: the RBQ for contractor licensing, the CCQ for construction trade certification and the CNESST for workplace safety.

• The Régie du bâtiment du Québec licenses contractors. Its licence page explains when one is required.
• The Commission de la construction du Québec handles competency certification in the construction industry.
• The CNESST covers labour standards and workplace safety.

Quebec buyers often look up an RBQ licence before hiring. Showing yours clearly on your website and profile removes a reason to hesitate.

Which programs do Quebec customers ask about?

Short answer: as of October 2026, LogisVert from Hydro-Québec and the updated Rénoclimat program.

• LogisVert offers grants for ENERGY STAR and cold-climate heat pumps, geothermal systems and other measures. Hydro-Québec says requests are being processed normally even with the federal heat pump rebate expected in 2027.
• Since October 1, 2026, Rénoclimat no longer requires the pre-work evaluation, and its caps were revised.
• Chauffez vert stopped accepting applications after March 31, 2026.

Date every program mention, and remind customers to confirm with the administrator.

What do Quebec buyers check before they call?

Short answer: a French-language presence, a visible RBQ licence and recent reviews.

How would I approach marketing for a Quebec trades business?

Short answer: French-first everything, licence numbers visible, and program pages kept current.

1. Build the website and Google Business Profile in French first, with English as a second version if you serve English speakers.
2. Run Google Ads in French, with separate English campaigns where it makes sense.
3. Display your RBQ licence on every service page.
4. Publish a dated LogisVert and Rénoclimat explainer.

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