We examine the spatial dynamics of the Québec economy based on a geographic subdivision of the Province into concentric circles (rings) with the Montréal Metropolitan Region at its centre. On the basis of this framework, we first look at global shifts in economic activity using Shift-Share analysis, and then go on to analyse the structure and evolution of the economic bases of the regions (rings) using an estimation method based on location quotients. We ask whether distance from the major metropolis (Montréal) is a useful variable for explaining the spatial structure and evolution of the regional economy. By the same token, we wish to confirm (or refute) the existence of a movement of spatial deconcentration of industrial activity. Our results for Québec show an economic landscape that is both hierarchical and symmetrical, in the form of concentric circles around a central metropolis with expected patterns of economic specialisation as we move further away. A trend to industrial deconcentration is clearly observable for 1971-1991 with Montréal as the primary loser. However, this trend does not occur in a random fashion. It is the first ring, closest to Montréal, which is the chief beneficiary.