Press release
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the
tabling of Montreal 's proposed cultural development policy
Montreal , November 11, 2004 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the initiative of the city of Montreal , which, with the tabling today of its proposed cultural development policy, has confirmed its desire to work actively to consolidate its position as a true international cultural metropolis.
At a time when direct relationships and international competition between cities are increasingly intense, culture can no longer be viewed simply as a resource for the individual but must be seen as a source of prosperity for the entire community. In Montreal , the cultural sector generates $5.4 billion annually in gross expenditures and some 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, not to mention the two million visitors it attracts, year after year. Culture has also had a mobilizing effect on various Montreal neighbourhoods such as Tohu and the Arts and Entertainment District as well as being a signature for our metropolis. From this point of view, the tabling of the city of Montreal 's proposed cultural development policy is certainly a step in the right direction, declared Benoit Labonté, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
This is not a new concern for the Board of Trade. In fact, for more than two years, we have done everything in our power to draw attention to and promote creativity and cultural vitality as key development factors for Montreal . If we are endorsing these ideas and taking these actions, it is because we are convinced that creativity and culture are vital assets for increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our influence on the international stage. In fact, not only does culture play a strategic role in our quality of place, our collective capacity for innovation, and the enrichment of our knowledge but it also has a decisive impact on our ability to attract and retain talent and thus on the growth of our metropolis, added Labonté.
From this point of view, it goes without saying that the Board of Trade will carefully study the city's proposed new cultural development policy and that the mayor of Montreal and Ms. Francine Senécal, the person responsible for this issue on the executive committee, can count on our full cooperation in this matter so crucial to the future of our city. We must now work with all those interested in ensuring the best possible future for Montreal to continue to develop this real potential and to take it to levels never before seen: levels that will ensure Montreal will become the most creative, vibrant, stimulating, and exciting metropolis there is, concluded Labonté.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of the Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and 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:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca