Montréal, October 9, 2015 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is delighted with the 2015-2020 Transportation Electrification Action Plan announced today by the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Robert Poëti, with Québec Premier Philippe Couillard in attendance. The relaunch of this promising strategy will give Montréal international recognition in the electrified transportation sector.
“The action plan released today is great news for the city’s economic development,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The different parts of the plan touch on a number of strategic issues for Montréal: moving people and merchandise, research and development and marketing our expertise. Quebec hydroelectricity is recognized worldwide, and this plan will allow us to take advantage of this resource sustainably and responsibly.”
“The passenger transportation portion will be an opportunity to develop the city’s public transit offer,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Société des transports de Montréal (STM) accounts for around 75% of travel by public transit in Quebec. We want the city to receive a large portion of the funds earmarked for the electrification of public transit. We are eagerly awaiting the opportunity case for extending the blue line of the metro from Montréal to Anjou, which will include the project schedule.”
“This major government investment will provide leverage for this growth-generating sector and will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” Mr. Leblanc said. “Developing the electrification of transportation industry will attract foreign investors to Quebec, who will take advantage of the business opportunities resulting from the plan, while supporting our ambitions in transportation electrification.”
“Showcasing our expertise in research and innovation, which is recognized worldwide, will offer plenty of entrepreneurs business opportunities,” Michel Leblanc said. “For example, support for the electrification of taxis, as proposed by Alexandre Taillefer, will send the message that our city wants to be innovative in rethinking traditional business models and become a platform of development for electrified transportation. But we need to support companies if we want to effectively market their know-how abroad. The Board of Trade has committed to working with them on the many projects down the road.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration, and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to businesses of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
– 30 –
Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Senior Advisor, Public Relations, and Press Attaché
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chambremontreal
Twitter: @chambremontreal
Follow the discussion:
#ccmmqcca