Press Release
Having organized over 550 twinning activities,
the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s Interconnection Program
celebrates its first anniversary
Montréal, November 11, 2011 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is proud to celebrate the first year of existence of its Interconnection program. Through over 210 internships, 240 professional meetings, and 100 networking activities, Interconnection has facilitated relations between qualified new arrivals and Montréal companies, with a view towards establishing business contacts.
“It was with great enthusiasm that the Board of Trade established the Interconnection program over one year ago now, through an agreement with Emploi-Québec. As immigration offers one of the quickest ways to respond to our anticipated labour shortage, and to contribute to the creation of wealth, the Interconnection program has revealed itself to be a concrete and effective means of support. The excellent results obtained over the past year bear witness to the importance of this type of program for society and for our economy,” stated Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
“Over the last few years, the Board of Trade has developed an expertise in the professional integration of immigrants. The success of Interconnection—and of its predecessor, World on Your Doorstep—demonstrates our understanding of the reality immigrants must face, as well as that facing business. This understanding of both sides has allowed us to create interesting pairings between over 360 immigrants and some one hundred companies over the last year,” added Michel Leblanc.
“During the public consultation on immigration planning in Quebec for the 2012-2015 period, the Board of Trade made a statement on the importance of increasing efforts to encourage the integration of immigrants in the work force. We believe that the Interconnection program is perfectly in keeping with the key initiatives that open the city’s business network to immigrant talent, allowing them to reach their full potential in Quebec,” concluded Michel Leblanc.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local 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:
Geneviève Marsan
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal
Phone: 514-871-4000, extension 4015
gmarsan@ccmm.qc.ca