Montréal, February 25, 2014 – Following the release of the study Créer un nouvel élan à Montréal: 10 propositions pour un programme de relance, BMO Financial Group and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal are announcing an event in June to mobilize the city, a first, concrete step toward Montréal’s revitalization.
“On the eve of its 375th anniversary, Montréal is at a crossroads,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The city is seeing lukewarm economic performance, its infrastructures are failing, delays are disrupting major projects and our image is tarnished at home and abroad. We are grateful to L. Jacques Ménard, President of BMO Financial Group, Quebec, for having put together this structuring project that will allow Montréal to rebuild its image and restore its standing among the great cities of the world.”
“Other cities in similar situations managed to get back on their feet,” said L. Jacques Ménard. “And today, they are among the most admired in the world. We have to learn from their experience and find our own winning formula. We have what it takes. We need to set priorities, reach a consensus and ensure that we have a commitment from leaders from every sphere, particularly the political class. The study released by BMO Financial Group and the Boston Consulting Group should not only inspire us, it should also spur us to action.”
“We all need to take ownership of the findings of this study, understand the major challenges and then mobilize to revitalize the city,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Board of Trade will put its experience and expertise at the service of the community for a successful recovery, starting by bringing together players from every sector of the city on June 13.”
“This event will offer workshops and plenary sessions to generate real debate, identify priority efforts for the revitalization of Montréal and outline a roadmap that participants can follow,” Michel Leblanc said. “The BMO Financial Group-Boston Consulting Group study shows that a city is a collective project, so we must all be part of the solution.”
“The study also shows that cities that have successfully gotten back on their feet did so because of clear leadership at the metropolitan level,” Mr. Leblanc said. “By offering his support and full cooperation, the Mayor of Montréal and Chair of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, Denis Coderre, is opening the door to this revitalization.”
Details for the event, which is taking place on Friday, June 13, 2014, will be released soon by BMO Financial Group and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source :
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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