Montréal, May 31, 2021 – The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and the Ville de Montréal today held the strategic meeting “An inclusive relaunch: the present and future of Chinatown” at Palais des congrès de Montréal, with leaders from Chinatown’s community in attendance. Close to 400 participants joined Canada’s Minister of Heritage, the honourable Steven Guilbeault, the Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Chantal Rouleau, and the Mayor of Montréal, Valérie Plante, to discuss solutions to ensure the prosperity and future of this iconic area of the city.
“Chinatown was hit hard by the pandemic,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. “Nestled in the heart of downtown, it was deserted by much of its clientele given the health restrictions and widespread remote working. As a tourism, gastronomical, and economic centre of the city, Chinatown makes a major contribution to Montréal’s reputation on the international stage, in addition to being a place for Montrealers to come together. Its prosperity is a sign of success for relaunching bordering neighbourhoods and the entire city. We needed to hear from those who help bring the area to life, make it colourful and appealing to workers, students, and tourists to find solutions and help restore its vitality from before the crisis. All sustaining forces, both internal and external, must mobilize to ensure its future. It’s time to work together, and we are pleased that actors from all communities responded to the call today.”
“Located in the heart of downtown, Chinatown has over 150 businesses that employ some 500 people,” said Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante. “It contributes directly to the city’s economy and its vitality. It is known for its heritage, culture, and unique history. It is a jewel for all Quebecers. Unfortunately, the area was one of the first in the city to suffer the consequences of the pandemic. It had to deal with an increase in racist incidents, a drop in traffic in its businesses, and the absence of tourists, the effect of which seriously undermined the area. I thank our government partners, Montréal’s Chinese communities, and the business community, who are participating in important discussions about the future of Chinatown. Our administration is determined to find concrete solutions to protect Chinatown, its history, and its vitality.”
About the strategic meeting “An inclusive relaunch: the present and future of Chinatown”
The strategic meeting “An inclusive relaunch: the present and future of Chinatown” is jointly developed by the Chamber and the Ville de Montréal, presented by Desjardins, in cooperation with Bell, Birks Group Inc., the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Power Corporation of Canada, Sun Life, and OXO Translations, and with the financial participation of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration. The event is part of the Relaunch MTL metropolitan economic movement.
About the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)
With a network of over 8,000 members, the CCMM is active on two fronts: being the voice of the Montréal business community and delivering specialized services to businesses and their representatives. With its finger on the pulse of current events, it acts on issues that are decisive for the prosperity of the city’s businesses. With the support of the Acclr experts, the CCMM’s goal is to accelerate the creation and growth of businesses of all sizes, at home and around the world.
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Source:
Dominique Talbot
Advisor, Media Relations
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514871-4000, ext. 4052
dtalbot@ccmm.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chambremontreal
Twitter: @chambremontreal
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