Montréal, January 13, 2015 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is delighted with the commercial agreement announced today by the Government of Quebec and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec to implement infrastructure projects to benefit Greater Montréal.
“This is great news that will enable us to speed up the completion of strategic infrastructure projects for the city,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “This business model, which is used elsewhere in the world, will benefit both Montrealers and Quebecers’ collective nest egg. The Caisse has expertise in planning, which leads us to believe that the work will be completed within the shortest possible timeframe. In exchange, it will receive a commercial return during the construction and operation phases of infrastructure projects. We have seen this approach with other major pension plans around the world. It’s a win-win situation.
“The Board of Trade has noticed that our capacity to finance infrastructure projects from public funds is a growing obstacle, at a time when the Government of Quebec is dealing with a heavy debt load,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Caisse has acquired international expertise in infrastructure projects over the years, so it would be absurd to prevent it from playing this role for projects within the province. The Caisse’s independence when it comes to decision making will obviously have to be safeguarded.”
Benefitting public transit projects
“Major structural projects to improve traffic flow in Greater Montréal are currently under study,” Michel Leblanc said. “In addition to plans to create a modern, efficient public transit system for the new Champlain Bridge, serving the West Island of Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau Airport remains a priority for the city.”
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.
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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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