The Canadian Studies Center maintains a longstanding and dynamic partnership with Quebec, built on sustained engagement in research, teaching, and outreach. Through close collaboration with provincial stakeholders and Quebec Studies scholars at MSU and peer institutions, the Center advances strategic initiatives that strengthen connections between MSU and Quebecois partners that benefit students, faculty, and communities across Michigan and Quebec.

The Center is grateful to the province of Quebec for a Quebec/United States University Grant Program "Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Development" grant to support much of our research and teaching-related work in the province. 

MSU and Quebec-based partners interested in promoting the study of or collaboration with Quebec at MSU are encouraged to reach out to the Center. 

Research 

In 2024, the Canadian Studies Center deepened its ties with Université Laval through a memorandum of understanding designed to enhance joint research and graduate teaching initiatives in materials science, supply chain management, and French-language studies. Joint research projects have resulted in the publication of journal articles, graduate and post-doc student exchanges, and other tangible outcomes, with more planned in the future. 

Building on this foundation, the Center and affiliated faculty are exploring new opportunities for collaboration in business, public policy, African partnerships, and expanded engineering research.

Teaching

The Canadian Studies Center supports teaching and student-focused programming related to Quebec and Francophone Canada including courses, film screenings, webinars, and social activities. 

Building on an existing education abroad offering through the MSU Writing Center, which includes an excursion to Quebec City, the Center works with core faculty to support the development of on-campus, education abroad, and collaborative online international learning (COIL) courses focused on or in Quebec and Francophone communities.

The Center provides guidance and strategic partnership grant (SPG) funds to core faculty to offset costs associated with site visits for education abroad course creation and provides training through the MSU Center for Global Learning and Innovation in COIL.

Working with affiliated faculty, the Center is currently exploring undergraduate education abroad offerings in Quebec focused on French immersion, French-language for medical studies, and comparative health and healthcare. 

Outreach

The Center regularly engages with provincial stakeholders, including the Office of the Quebec Delegate in Chicago, to promote outreach related to policy, business, and higher-education in Quebec and the Great Lakes region. 

The Center is proud of have consistent Quebec representation in our programming, including the CN Forum, and to regularly engage in policy and other outreach activities with Quebec partners. 

In early October of 2025, Center Director Dr. Rebecca Malouin joined leaders from Michigan, Quebec City, and Universite Laval, for a roundtable discussion at the Quebec City Hall on Michigan-Quebec relations and subnational cooperation in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence corridor. 

Later in October, Dr. Malouin joined leaders from Quebec and other Great Lakes states and provinces for the Great Lakes Governors and Premiers Leadership Summit in Quebec City, focused on economic, cultural, and academic ties between the region's states and provinces.