Press release
Day two of Symposium Montréal 2017
Montreal, May 1st, 2002- Day two the symposium Montreal 2017: A 375-Year-Old City of the World, organized by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, presented in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Greater Montreal, began with a speech by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Greater Montreal, André Boisclair. The Minister voiced his firm commitment to continue his involvement and that of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Greater Montreal in the reflection process on Montreal's future. I am pleased to continue discussing this matter so that we can collectively agree on the vision and coherence essential to Montreal's economic development, stated Minister Boisclair. Indeed, on reading the Board of Trade's Policy Statement, it appears that we essentially share the same values, the same pride in what has been accomplished to date, the same ambitions for the future of Montreal and the same desire to take part in their realization.
Coherence between the players and decision makers
During the day's first panel discussion, the participants heard Canadian and American points of view on strategic aspects regarding the future of city-regions. The panellists demonstrated that in order for a city to achieve its full development, it must have the financial resources to build the necessary infrastructure and develop a solid urban planning framework. The message was clear: the success of these cities hinges on more strategic, dedicated and relevant economic management by the partners that support and guide their development.
For Montreal, it is essential that its development be approached from a regional perspective. We must therefore promote the emergence of a strong, cohesive Montreal Metropolitan Community (MMC). Elected officials must work together and with citizens and groups concerned with the development of the Montreal region in a spirit of consensus-building and cooperation, affirmed Benoit Labonté, president of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
To this end, the Board of Trade asks the Quebec government to give the MMC the powers it needs to assume its responsibilities with coherence. Just as in matters of social housing and urban planning, the MMC is a major player in public transportation. With a view to promoting the emergence of a strong Montreal Metropolitan Community, the Board of Trade fully endorses the proposal put forth by the mayor of Longueuil and vice-president of the MMC, Jacques Olivier, to transfer the management of the Agence métropolitaine de transport, currently under the responsibility of the Transport Ministry, to the MMC, added Mr. Labonté.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has more than 7 000 members. Its mission is to be the leading group representing the interests of the Greater Montreal business community. The objectives are to maintain, at all times, relevance to its membership, credibility towards the media and influence towards government and decision-makers.