MONTRÉAL, April 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Speaking to a meeting of the Canadian Club, France Chrétien Desmarais, President of the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, and Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Society's Board of Governors, presented eight major socio-economic projects selected by the Board.
The Board of Governors is a volunteer committee comprising 22 citizens, elected officials and business figures who are working to help carry out sustainable socio-economic projects. The Board was created at the initiative of the Mayor of Montréal following publication of the report A Prosperous and Inclusive Metropolis for Sustainable Development by the working committee on the status of Montréal.
The projects, some of which will get underway starting in 2017, are transformative investments aimed at strengthening Montréal's competitiveness.
"The 375th offers an exciting challenge, and there are many of us who wish to meet it," Ms. Desmarais said. "The presence of these many partners, including 12 Great Montrealers, in carrying out major projects for Montréal is a testament to our common desire to turn this anniversary into a true springboard for the city."
Ms. Leroux, for her part, noted: "Montréal can rely on a spirit of collaboration and on the engagement that is unique to the 375th anniversary. We have tremendous assets. The Board of Governors, with its projects and initiatives, is instilling new vitality by building on our strengths."
Completion of the projects, which are grouped within three distinct themes, is actively supported by the Board.
YOUTH AND SUCCESSION
Design 375: A move to redevelop 25 schoolyards will get 700 students actively involved and will benefit more than 10,000 students, starting this year. This project is being conducted by Youth Fusion with the support of RBC Royal Bank.
Passeport MTL étudiant international: This mentoring program will help facilitate the integration of foreign students with the aim of retaining talent. The project is being conducted by La Vitrine culturelle, backed by BMO Financial Group.
375 Ideas: A microfinancing fund aimed at young entrepreneurs, it will actively support the development of 375 new projects. This initiative of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal will be launched April 27, during the Grande rencontre des jeunes entrepreneurs du monde francophone.
LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION
Artificial intelligence: A working group will facilitate commercialization and collaboration between all players in this area of the future. Details of this project will be the subject of a later announcement.
New media: Key players will network to strengthen Montréal's international positioning in this industry of the future. Details of this project will be the subject of a later announcement.
Co-operative and mutualist movement: Development of this field and the local expertise it relies upon will help strengthen Montréal's positioning and extend its international influence. Details of this project will be the subject of a later announcement. This project is the initiative of the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité.
SOLIDARITY
Social innovation platform: The participation of the Maison de l'innovation sociale in the Neighbourhoods Come Alive tour of Montréal's 19 boroughs will reinforce the link with younger people and will enhance public policies for youth. This project is being conducted by the Maison de l'innovation sociale together with the Amplifier Montréal listening platform.
Food security program: This program will help confront the problem of hunger by establishing a new processing unit and optimizing the logistics chain. This project enjoys the support from Sobeys, President's Choice and Saputo, in partnership with the Moisson Montréal food bank and the Ville de Montréal.
About the Board of Governors of the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Board of Governors is a volunteer committee chaired by Monique F. Leroux. It brings together citizens, elected officials and business people driven by a desire to complete sustainable socio-economic projects. Its work forms part of the activities of the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, whose President is France Chrétien Desmarais. The Board was created at the initiative of the Mayor of Montréal and is a logical continuation of the report A Prosperous and Inclusive Metropolis for Sustainable Development from the working committee on the status of Montréal.
The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montréal, the Government of Québec and the Government of Canada, as well as private funding from 12 Great Montrealers. For more information: 375mtl.com.
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SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal
Society for the 375th, Isabelle Pelletier, Media relations, 514 238-4178, [email protected]
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