On January 31, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Montréal International and Investissement Québec took advantage of the business community coming together for the Strategic Forum on Internationalization to hold the first edition of the Montréal International Awards.
This competition recognizes Montréal organizations and businesses that are focusing on internationalization and contributing to the influence and growth of Greater Montréal.
More than 80 businesses responded to the call for applications in the four categories of the Awards:
- Best Digital Data Management Strategy
- Best Export Strategy
- Best Foreign Investment Strategy
- Best International Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy
“The first edition of the Montréal International Awards was met with great enthusiasm and high-quality nominations. We are very proud of that. For decades, the Chamber has been dedicated to supporting companies in their internationalization strategies. This competition is a chance to showcase Montréal businesses that have positioned themselves as leaders in exports and attracting international talent,”
- Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.
AlayaCare recognized for its digital data management strategy
AlayaCare specializes in home health care management technology for seniors and operates on the Canadian market, in the U.S. and in Australia. In addition to being the only provider of this type of service in Canada, AlayaCare has distinguished itself for its innovative mission and the flexibility of its platforms and applications. Data collection and management, which are its core expertise, optimize quality of care for patients. It was honoured for the quality of its strategy, which is deployed in the highly sensitive environment of data regulation and protection.
CAE honoured for exporting its innovations
Specializing in designing simulators for a number of sectors of activity – civil aviation and defence, life sciences and health technology – and exporting its training centres, CAE received the Award for Best Export Strategy for continually renewing and innovating through new technology. An international leader in pilot training, CAE operates in over 35 countries and focuses on acquisitions to diversify its export markets. This is evidenced by the fact that 90% of its sales are generated from exports, largely supported by investments in research and development.
Epic Games recognized for its investment strategy in the city
Known for its popular game Fortnite and expertise in artificial intelligence and 3D imaging, Epic Games has a presence in over 40 cities around the world. With its reputation and unique long-term vision, Epic Games successfully opened the doors of a high-calibre subsidiary in Montréal, supported by the city’s university network. It has distinguished itself for its appealing working conditions and ability to retain highly specialized talent, who make a major contribution to the economic development of Greater Montréal and the success of the video game industry.
Framestore recognized for attracting international talent
Framestore is an organization recognized internationally for creating special effects, both for Hollywood and the advertising industry. In addition to making magic on the small and big screens, Framestore was recognized for its strategy to attract and retain international talent. Through its strategic recruitment missions in certain countries, relocating employees to other offices and subsidiaries and promoting an inclusive, diverse work environment, Framestore is one of the Montréal companies that has most distinguished itself for its vision and concrete efforts to ensure its corporate culture appeals to potential employees.
The Chamber and its partners would like to thank participants and congratulate the winners, whose success reflects well on the city and contributes to its economic development.
“At Montréal International, attracting foreign direct investment and international talent go hand in hand. I am particularly proud to see among the finalists subsidiaries of foreign and local companies, which are gaining renown and contributing to our collective wealth, across Greater Montréal,”
- Stéphane Paquet, president and CEO of Montréal International.
“Seeking foreign direct investment and supporting Quebec companies in their exports are central to Investissement Québec International’s mandate. As such, we are pleased to be associated with the Montréal International Awards and to celebrate the finalists’ outstanding work in internationalization and their unique contribution to the Quebec economy,”
- Hubert Bolduc, president of Investissement Québec International.
The Montréal International Awards are being held as part of the second edition of the internationalization initiative developed jointly by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Montréal International and Investissement Québec, in cooperation with Air Canada, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Ville de Montréal, the Government of Québec and RBC Royal Bank.
The winners were selected by an independent jury made up of: Youssef Lemgendez, Manager, Investment, Fonds FTQ; Emine Sarigöllü, Academic Director, International Management; Associate Professor, Marketing, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University; Marie-Eve Tremblay, Senior Account Manager, Corporate Accounts, EDC; Ari Van Assche, Professor, Department of International Affairs, HEC Montréal; and Martin Wiedenhoff, Director, Revenue Growth and Expansion, BDC. The prizes were awarded by Air Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Lavery Lawyers and Ubisoft.