Marc Parent named Quebec’s special envoy for defence bank

Marc Parent in Montreal Jan. 16, 2025. (LA PRESSE CANADIENNE/Christinne Muschi)

Marc Parent, the former president and CEO of CAE, has been named the Quebec government’s special envoy for the defence bank.

In his role, Parent will be tasked with “supporting Quebec’s security and defence ecosystem to develop the market,” particularly by helping companies integrate into national and international supply chains.

He has also been tasked with advising the Quebec government on federal and international defence policies and programs, as well as other related opportunities.

The appointment comes as the federal government commits to increasing its defence spending and expanding investment shares made in Canada.

Quebec has boasted “cutting-edge expertise and immense potential to attract investments,” adding that to do so, it must mobilize businesses across multiple strategic sectors.

Parent said he intends to put “his network, his experience and his relationships to work for Quebec to secure the contracts, partnerships and investments that this historic moment makes possible.”

In a press release, Premier Christine Fréchette noted that Parent’s appointment “will allow us to seize every opportunity to position Quebec as an indispensable partner in defence, and to create quality jobs for Quebecers.”

Parent previously spent 20 years at CAE, including 15 as president and CEO.

He left the Montreal-based flight simulator manufacturer last August.

Before that, he had spent 20 years at Bombardier.

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has often reiterated its desire to see Quebec receive its fair share of military investments from Ottawa.

Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy calls for investments of over $500 billion.

Within 10 years, Ottawa said its aim is for 70 per cent of federal military procurement to go to Canadian companies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 13, 2026.