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In collaboration with Investissement Québec, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has released a study (in French only) that provides a current overview of automation in Quebec’s SMEs, assessing its impact on productivity and identifying the main barriers to its adoption.

Conducted during the summer of 2025 among more than 350 Quebec businesses that reported having undertaken an automation project, this study delivers a clear message: adopting digital technologies, automating industrial production, and investing in human skills are no longer optional for SMEs; they are strategic levers to boost productivity and ensure competitiveness.

Our Goal

To support entrepreneurs in their transition toward automation and to help shape more effective public policies in this area.

What Our Study on Automation Reveals

Watch this video (in French only) to hear Illona Sevré, Policy Analyst at CFIB Québec, share the key highlights from our study on automation.

Key Findings

  • Automation processes are accelerating within SMEs: 81% are automating to increase productivity, compared to 66% in 2023;
  • Projects mainly target production (77% of manufacturers) and administrative functions (66% of other sectors);
  • Most companies invest their own funds, while 37% used a government loan and a similar proportion accessed a grant or tax credit;
  • Projects quickly become profitable, especially for smaller businesses;
  • Productivity gains are undeniable, with a median increase of 17% observed.

Discover the full results in the study (in French only).

CFIB’s legislative work (in French only)

Media Centre

L’automatisation gagne des adeptes dans les PME –  La Presse

L’automatisation, un passage obligé pour les PME – Le Soleil

L’automatisation profite particulièrement aux microentreprises – Les Affaires

Les PME québécoises prennent le virage de l’automatisation – Le Devoir 

Investir dans l’automatisation : un accélérateur de productivité pour les PME du Québec – Magazine MCI

Submission

L’automatisation : Un processus loin d’être automatique pour les PME québécoises

Press Releases

Automatisation des PME québécoises : en avance sur la moyenne canadienne, mais une accélération gouvernementale est de mise – December 18, 2023

Initiative grand V : un levier qui aidera à stimuler l’innovation – October 29, 2024

Get business help right away.
1-833-568-2342 cfib@cfib.ca

Resources

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