Fondaction and CQRDA combine capital and technical expertise to create more aluminium in Quebec
Quebec skis made with Quebec aluminium: a first investment in Ferreol Skis
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, October 16, 2026 – Fondaction and the Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA) are joining forces to invest in Quebec’s aluminium Quebec’s small and medium-sized aluminium businesses. Over the coming years, the partnership will directly finance local companies that process Quebec aluminium. The announcement is being made this morning at Ferreol Skis, which is receiving the first investment. The Quebec company manufactures alpine skis from Quebec-sourced aluminium and sells them as far afield as the French Alps.
“We deploy capital where it contributes to the positive transformation of Quebec’s economy. By backing companies like Ferreol, we are supporting Quebec innovation, creating value in regions that need it, and doing so with a resource that is sustainably produced right here in Quebec. That is what this partnership with CQRDA is about, and we are pleased that a company like Ferreol can benefit from it,” said Marie-Josée Rioux, Investment Manager, Sustainable Partnerships and Impact, at Fondaction.
Capital and technical expertise for Quebec’s aluminium sector
Through this partnership, Quebec companies in the aluminium sector will now benefit from integrated support that combines financing, technical expertise and access to a broad network of partners. Fondaction and CQRDA will work together to identify and support the most promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to accelerate their development, foster innovation and help build an aluminium processing industry that is stronger, more competitive and more deeply rooted in Quebec’s regions.
“Quebec companies in the aluminium sector are brimming with expertise and innovative projects. However, we see that moving from idea to commercialization is a major challenge, often a financial one. For more than 30 years, CQRDA has supported these companies in their innovation projects. This new initiative will make it easier for them to access the capital they need to accelerate their growth, strengthen the aluminium sector and, above all, turn innovation into tangible economic benefits,” said Marilyne Simard, President and CEO of CQRDA.
The investment comes at a pivotal time for Ferreol’s growth. It will support research and development at the company’s lab in Beaupré and, above all, the development of new markets, particularly in Europe.
“For Ferreol Skis, today’s announcement will allow us to invest in innovation, research and development, and the company’s growth in various markets. Quebec aluminium is at the heart of this strategy. It is an integral part of our products and makes us more competitive in domestic and international markets by allowing us to offer products that are higher-performing, more durable and more environmentally responsible. This investment will not only give Ferreol Skis the means to achieve its ambitions, but also allow us to bring high-value-added innovations to market faster,” explained Jonathan Audet, Co-founder of Ferreol Skis.
The Bernard Trottier family is also investing in Ferreol Skis.
“For our family, this investment in Ferreol Skis is a concrete way to support Quebec know-how, encourage homegrown innovation and raise the international profile of our ski industry. In our view, the commitment, expertise and capacity for innovation of the Ferreol Skis team are the foundations of an exceptional project,” said Brigitte Trottier, on behalf of the Bernard Trottier family (Gestion Bertro).
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About Fondaction
A forerunner for more than 30 years, Fondaction is the investment fund for individuals and companies that are mobilizing for the positive transformation of Québec’s economy, making it fairer, more inclusive, greener and more performant. As a labour-sponsored fund created at the initiative of the CSN, Fondaction represents tens of thousands of savers and hundreds of companies committed to helping Québec progress. It manages more than $4.5B in net assets, as of May 31, 2026, invested largely in hundreds of businesses and on the financial markets, prioritizing investments that generate positive economic, social and environmental spinoffs in addition to a financial return. Fondaction helps create and maintain quality jobs, reduce inequalities and fight climate change. For more information, visit fondaction.com or our LinkedIn page.
About CQRDA
For more than 30 years, CQRDA’s mission has been to provide financial and technical support to companies and research centres to help bring their ideas to market. CQRDA takes part in collaborative research and development (R&D) projects that advance Quebec’s aluminium sector. As one of Quebec’s nine industrial research sector networks (RSRI), CQRDA serves as the main intermediary between public research centres and aluminium producers and processors. CQRDA has more than 150 active member companies. Since its creation, it has approved and funded more than 1,000 projects, representing a total R&D investment of more than $70 million. For more information, visit cqrda.ca or our LinkedIn page.
About Ferreol Skis
Based in Quebec City, Ferreol Skis is Canada’s largest ski brand. Combining unique, cutting-edge ski engineering expertise with a strong commitment to sustainability, Ferreol designs and manufactures premium skis in Quebec for every condition, from groomed runs to powder and from resort skiing to backcountry expeditions, all with a reduced carbon footprint. Having started exporting last year, the company is increasingly establishing itself in the international ski industry as a leader that challenges the status quo with its new materials and design methods, as shown by several international awards and distinctions. In partnership with Freestyle Canada, Ferreol Skis is also developing skis designed specifically for the Canadian team and its athletes.
Source: Fondaction
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Gabriel Marquis
COPTICOM, Stratégies et relations publiques
581-307-8613
gmarquis@copticom.ca
