French-Speaking Belgium Strengthens Ties with Quebec and Ontario Through Major Mission to Canada from April 20 to 24, 2026
Montreal, April 16, 2026 - Amidst a global backdrop marked by shifting scientific, economic, and cultural alliances, the Belgian region of Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation are to launch a strategic, multi-sectoral ministerial mission to Quebec and Ontario from April 20 to 24, 2026. “IMPACT: Innovation - Mobilizing Partnerships in Academia, Culture and Technology” will be the central theme of this mission.
Led by the Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Ms Élisabeth Degryse, and the Minister-President of Wallonia, Mr Adrien Dolimont, the occasion will bring together a large delegation of academics, research centers, cultural organizations, businesses, and senior experts.
The mission will take place in Montreal (April 20-21), Quebec City (April 22), and Toronto (April 23-24), reflecting a wish to strengthen lasting transatlantic partnerships. Major strategic partners of French-speaking Belgium include Quebec and Ontario, especially thanks to the longstanding academic and scientific collaboration and their participation in the Horizon Europe program, which offers new opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation.
This mission also aims to remove barriers to academic mobility, spur innovation partnerships in the aerospace and agri-food sectors, and strengthen the presence of cultural and creative industries.
“Quebec and Ontario are significant partners for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and its players. I am delighted to take part in the mission alongside such a large and diverse delegation, which only serves to prove the dynamism and excellence of our ecosystems.
This mission clearly shows our commitment to opening new doors, consolidating existing collaborations, and reaching agreements which offer new opportunities for the future, especially in the cultural and academic sectors.” Élisabeth Degryse, Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
“At a time when new stabilization reference points are being needed for international order, Wallonia, which has been historically open to the world, must keep building close collaborations with other regions and countries.
As such, the mission to Quebec and Ontario is not only a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, but also, and more importantly, to initiate and facilitate new joint initiatives, particularly in fields such as research, innovation, technology, aerospace, and other economically driven projects.” Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Wallonia
Who is the General Delegation of Wallonia-Brussels in Quebec/Canada?
The General Delegation of Wallonia-Brussels in Quebec/Canada serves as diplomatic representation of Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, and the French Community Commission (COCOF) of Belgium in Quebec and across Canada. Established in Quebec City in 1982, the Delegation also has an office in Montreal and works hand in hand with the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) offices and the Science & Higher Education Counsellor in Canada.
Who is Wallonia-Brussels International?
Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI) is the public agency responsible for coordinating and fostering the relationships of Wallonia, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the French Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region (COCOF) with the rest of the world. As such, WBI supports the mobility of students, researchers, and artists. WBI also promotes academic and scientific partnerships and Walloon expertise worldwide. As a key player in international diplomacy in the French-speaking world, WBI also works to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in strategic fields such as education, culture, research, and innovation.
Who is the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)?
The Wallonia Export & Investment Agency operates a global network of 92 Trade and Investment Advisors (CEC), including one in Montreal and one in Toronto. Spread across five continents, the AWEX has offices in more than 120 countries. One of the Agency’s main objectives is to support Walloon companies in diversifying their exports, both in a sectorial and geographical way. This global network promotes Wallonia’s technological excellence, among other sectors, in the business world.
Join the conversation: #IMPACT2026
More information about the mission is available at Ministerial Mission of Wallonia-Brussels (Belgium) to Quebec and Ontario — 2026 | Wallonia-Brussels in Canada