François-Philippe Champagne looks back on the year 2024

The federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, was unable to avoid questions about the crisis of confidence that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently experiencing. He agrees that reflections must be made, but did not want to commit to the decision that the Prime Minister should take.

The member for Saint-Maurice-Champlain considers that the real issue at the moment lies in the economic threat posed by Donald Trump and that, in these circumstances, it is essential to display strong Canadian leadership.

If there is a period in Canadian history where we must demonstrate unity, but also strength [c’est maintenant]. It's important that we stand strong against the threat of Mr. Trump's tariffsmentions François-Philippe Champagne.

However, he admits that the current situation is serious. I think we have to admit, in moments like this, transparency and authenticity are important. […] That said, for me, the real date that matters for the world is January 20he adds.

When asked if he could possibly succeed Justin Trudeau, François-Philippe Champagne believes that the time for taking stock has not arrived.

Life is a long road. For the moment, I am focused on the role that I occupy now because, in a world in full transformation, in full turmoil, I think that, in the Prime Minister's reflections, there are these desires to have stable voices around the table.

He believes, in the current international context, that a step back is necessary. In a period like this, we must avoid jumping to conclusions too quickly.

As for the possibility of becoming Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne mentions not having directly turned his back on this role. Rather, he claims to have expressed some framework within which a position like that could be considered.

However, he believes that the role of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry is one of great importance currently.

François-Philippe Champagne, who sits on the Cabinet Committee responsible for Canadian-American relations, also considers that stability is essential. The big priority is really American tariffs. In this context […] I preferred to continue with stability because the path of the Minister of Industry is extremely important in this context.

Battery sector

Minister François-Philippe Champagne recognizes that the battery sector faces challenges, that it is experiencing slowdowns and that it must make adjustments.

However, he was resolutely optimistic on the issue and maintains that the direction towards the electrification of transport is the right one.

We brought Quebec into the automobile industry and, as Quebecers, I hope we are proud. I have ambition for Quebec, I have ambition for the country, I have ambition for the region.

He also believes that it is not in the short term, but in the long term that we will be able to measure the success of these investments.

When we've been doing the same thing for 100 years, then we decide to move on to another technology. I often invite people to take the perspective of a century. If you look at Henry Ford when he launched the Model T, it was not a smooth ride.he adds.