Press release
Montreal 2017: A 375-year-old City of the World
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal will hold a symposium on the development of Montreal on April 30 and May 1, 2002 Montreal, March 7, 2002 - Greater Montreal is feeling the impact of major changes. Its future will be influenced by the many social, economic, and political forces that shape its new landscape. To better understand these issues, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal will hold a symposium on April 30 and May 1, 2002, that will envisage the Montreal of the future.
During this event, experts from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and around the world will present their views on what a metropolis like Montreal could and should do in the next fifteen years to ensure its rightful place on the world stage. These discussions will give members of the Board of Trade and the business community a clearer picture of the issues surrounding the future of the metropolitan area. The conclusions drawn from these two days of discussion will inform the Board of Trade and business leaders and provide them with food for thought.
More than at any other time in history, people and economic activity are flowing into cities. Major urban centres are thus in constant competition for the most successful companies and the most highly skilled workers. This dynamic is at the heart of a rethinking of the political, economic, and international role of major metropolitan centres.
As an agent for responsible, contributory change for Montreal and its members, the Board of Trade has developed the strategic analysis tools needed to play this role. In particular, it has created a five-point Policy Statement outlining its position on the metropolitan territory:
the integration of a metropolitan vision into international aspirations; urban infrastructures befitting a city of international stature; an equitable fiscal and legislation framework for companies; creativity, cultural vitality, and a strong social fabric; the means to produce, attract, and retain skilled workers.
While focused on mobilization, leadership, visibility, momentum, and follow-up, the symposium is in line with the Board of Trade's underlying objective to promote the economic development of the metropolitan area and the establishment of optimal conditions for creating new wealth and realizing the full potential of the companies and initiatives of its members.
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.