The Fonds de solidarité des travailleurs du Québec (FTQ) was born in the midst of the recession of the early 1980s when hemorrhaging of Québec's industrial base caused a permanent loss of plants, jobs, and income. Prior to that time, the fund's sponsor, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) had not planned on making a decisive collective entry into capital markets. However, recognition that facilitatiing productive investment and financing was key to a full employment strategy (supported by positive labour experiences abroad) led it to consider this route.
In 1982, former FTQ President Louis Laberge and other leaders (the province's largest union central, representing 470,000 members) completed its design of a novel financial institution geared to high risk equity financing. Based in part on the popular Régime d'épargne-actions du Québec, it would be controlled by the FTQ and a shareholder base of affiliated workers. Like comparable international models, it also emphasized certain socio-economic investment aims.
Laberge first raised the Fonds de solidarité idea in 1982 at the tripartite Sommet du Québec where it received the backing of the Parti Québecois government as well as some high profile business and financial leaders. It is probable that a contributing factor to the fund's initial acceptance was Québec's tradition for experimenting with new and innovative financial means and structures.
1983 saw formal endorsement of the proposal by the FTQ membership in 1983 and passage of Bill 192, “An Act to create the Fonds de solidarité des travailleurs du Québec (FTQ)” by the (Québec National Assembly) on June 23. Along with provincial tax credit and other financial support, the fund benefited from introduction of a matching federal credit by the Conservatives in 1985.