Press release
A COALITION IN SUPPORT OF MONTREAL Montreal, November 19, 2003 Today, a group of almost 200 personalities, the first signers of the declaration A City that brings us together!, celebrated the launch of the Montreal Coalition, a non-partisan movement of Montreal's civil society to support the new city and the values it represents.
These individuals, from the business, cultural, academic, social, sporting, and union sectors including members of the younger generation, represent the diversity and richness of Montreal society. They have come together here to support a common goal: to encourage all citizens of the new City of Montreal to participate in this debate and thus enable the metropolis to move forward and claim its rightful place on the world stage. Since Montreal belongs to us, the challenges posed by the creation of a new city should inspire us to close ranks, roll up our sleeves, and work together, affirmed Simon Brault, one of the seven partners in the coalition.
Phyllis Lambert, another coalition partner, agrees, noting that, it's not by looking backward that we will build the future of Montreal. This coalition represents a unique opportunity for Montrealers to take ownership of their city and say, together, we can do better!' We can't remain indifferent to the urban and collective challenges facing us, while Toronto, Boston, Barcelona, Milan, and Chicago are taking steps to meet their own. That's why we are choosing to promote the new Montreal, for what it is and especially for what it can become: a true City of the World, turned resolutely toward the future and capable of rising to the challenges of the 21st century, with modern management and infrastructures; neighbourhoods where residents are looking to improve their environment; high-quality institutions and services; world-renowned universities and workers; a remarkably diverse economy; and a wide-ranging culture.
To offer all Montrealers the chance to express their support for the new City, the partners of the Montreal Coalition have also created a Web site accessible at the following addresses: www.montrealcoalition.qc.ca or www.coalitionmontreal.qc.ca. This electronic forum will provide a gathering point for all those wishing to take part in this initiative.
The coalition in support of Montreal is a non-partisan initiative originally launched by: Simon Brault, president, Culture Montréal; Benoit Labonté, president, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal; Robert Lacroix, rector, Université de Montréal; Phyllis Lambert, president, Canadian Centre for Architecture; Henri Massé, president, Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec; Nancy Neamtan, president and CEO, Chantier de l'économie sociale; and Philip O'Brien, societies administrator and founder of Devencore.
-30-
List of personalities in support of the coalition
Source:
Yves Hamel
Montreal Coalition
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4060 or 971-0605, cell.