Press release
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal strongly opposes Formula One Management's decision to remove the Canada Grand Prix F1 from the 2004 Schedule
Montreal, August 7, 2003- On behalf of its some 7,000 members, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal strongly opposes today's announcement to remove the Grand Prix F1 of Canada from the 2004 Formula 1 schedule. In the Board of Trade's opinion, this decision will mean the loss of tens of millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic spin-offs for merchants and the region's tourism industry.
The Grand Prix of Canada is Montreal's most powerful international drawing card. For nearly 25 years now, this spectacular sports event and one of the best Formula One circuits has given Montreal exceptional international reach and visibility and allowed the city to promote itself as a festive and welcoming destination. Unfortunately, the economic spin-offs of such an event are not so easy to replace, stated Benoit Labonté, president of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
Given the economic importance of this annual event for the Montreal region, Mr. Labonté has already contacted the president and CEO of the GPF1, Normand Legault, to offer his support and any help he may need in his efforts to reverse this decision and ensure the return of the Grand Prix to the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit for years to come.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has nearly 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the leading group representing the interests of the Greater Montreal business community. Its objectives are to maintain, at all times, relevance to its membership, credibility towards the public and influence towards government and decision-makers. The Board of Trade relies on its three service branches - Info entreprises, the Electronic Commerce Institute, and the World Trade Centre Montréal - to offer specialized services to the greater business community.
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For information:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4015
spaquette@ccmm.qc.ca
