Press release
The 2012 Quebec election: The next government must tackle metropolitan issues and make the city the economic driver of Quebec
Montréal, September 5, 2012 – On the heels of the election, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal will continue to be the voice of the business community to promote a competitive, predictable and stable business environment. Concrete action is needed immediately to promote the city’s economic development so that it can resume its role as the economic driver of Quebec.
“The Board of Trade would first of all like to congratulate Premier Pauline Marois ¯ the first woman to hold this important office ¯ the Parti Québécois for its victory, as well as all the candidates who took part in the democratic process by running in the election,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The tragic events that cast a shadow over last night are unacceptable and should remind us that politicians of all stripes are first and foremost profoundly courageous people of conviction who deserve our full respect. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.”
“During the campaign, we defined four priority issues the government must turn its attention to immediately to revive the economic heart of Quebec,” Michel Leblanc said. “We asked clear questions and received some answers. We particularly welcomed the Parti Québécois’ commitment to name a minister responsible for Montréal and to create a ministerial committee on metropolitan issues. We also selected investment proposals for public transit that merit immediate implementation.”
“There are a few elements of the Parti Québécois’ program that worry the business community, in particular certain tax proposals which, if adopted, would contribute to the overtaxation of Quebec entrepreneurs and hamper their competitiveness in North America,” Mr. Leblanc said. “As for the language issue, we encourage the new government to pursue the implementation of the Stratégie commune d’intervention pour Montréal 2008-2013, which advocates a collaborative approach of awareness raising and supporting small business. Finally, we need to quickly increase our pool of qualified labour and better integrate new immigrants. Let’s rely on francization and integration, in a spirit of awareness raising.”
“In spite of a minority government, we hope for concrete action and a precise schedule for solving the problems that prevent the city from fully assuming its role as an economic driver,” Michel Leblanc said. “To this end, the Board of Trade extends its full cooperation to the government and is committed to working with all parties to facilitate decision making.”
Website for the Board of Trade’s electoral demands: http://4issuesforthecity.ca/
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 :
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514-871-4000, extension 4015
spaquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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