The Quebec government announced on Wednesday that it has eliminated the debt owed by US helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron. The move is intended to prevent the company from moving its helicopter production out of Mirabel, Quebec, and into the United States.
The debt cancellation was carried out by provincial authorities in Mirabel, where Bell Textron operates a helicopter assembly facility. By removing the financial burden, the province aims to secure the continuation of manufacturing activities at the site.
Officials indicated that the decision is part of a broader effort to preserve jobs at the Mirabel plant. The province is pursuing the measure amid an ongoing trade dispute with the United States, which has raised concerns about the future of Canadian aerospace operations.
By clearing the debt, Quebec hopes to reinforce its commitment to maintaining aerospace production within the province and to demonstrate its willingness to intervene when economic pressures threaten local employment. The action underscores the government's strategy of using fiscal tools to support strategic industries during periods of international trade tension.