Montréal, March 16, 2015 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is proud to announce that it has been invited by the Embassy of Canada in Paris to present its Interconnection program as part of a Canada-France roundtable on immigration being held at the Canadian Cultural Centre of Paris.
With the theme of ”Urban outskirts and neighbourhoods: how can we achieve peace in diversity?” this activity will bring together Canadian and French experts to share their thoughts on the state of relations between the different cultural communities in their respective countries.
“We are proud that the Embassy of Canada in Paris asked an Interconnection program representative to take part in and enrich a debate about openness to diversity,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “This will be an opportunity to discuss issues related to immigration and explain the Board of Trade’s approach to integrating skilled immigrants to the work force.”
The half-day roundtable will start with a discussion between nine Canadians and French citizens – municipal elected officials, non-governmental players and influential academics. Their debate will then be presented before 60 to 80 French parliamentarians, including municipal elected officials, ministerial advisors and senior civil servants.
“The Board of Trade created the Interconnection program with the support of the Government of Quebec,” Mr. Leblanc said. “This innovative program has proven its effectiveness in integrating immigrants to the work force. Since it was created in 2010, we have had over 7,000 registrations for professional pairing activities between immigrants and businesses. The placement rate for participants for a job in their field was 63% in 2014.”
“Talented immigrants are an asset for the Montréal economy,” Michel Leblanc said. “We are proud to be able to share the success of the Interconnection program, and we are convinced that it will inspire the French community in its work force integration strategy for immigrants.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
About the Interconnection program of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Interconnection program, held in partnership with Emploi-Québec, aims to establish preferred contacts between Montréal organizations and qualified newcomers to promote their professional integration. This program responds as much to the needs of businesses as immigrants thanks to an end-to-end and flexible formula that includes diversified twinning activities.
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Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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Twitter: @chambremontreal
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