Leger poll conducted for the Board of Trade: the business community and the public share the same priorities

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of the 2013 municipal election campaign, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is pleased to release the results of a poll conducted in partnership with the firm Leger. The point of the survey was to determine whether the general public shares the four priorities identified by the business community.

"The survey results show that the business community's priorities are in line with those of Montrealers," said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "Straight off, this sends a strong, clear signal to candidates about what needs to be done to improve the city's economy."

"One of the most important findings of this poll is that the public sees the poor condition of our transportation infrastructure as a check on economic development," Michel Leblanc said. "Nearly 90% of respondents believe that the deficiencies of our road network are hampering the productivity of Montréal businesses. In light of these results, the future mayor will have to pay the utmost attention to infrastructure work that the city is in such desperate need of. He or she will have to make sure Montréal no longer has to endure unnecessary delays and cost overruns."

"A second point to note is that over 80% of respondents believe that Montréal has a problem of overgovernance," Mr. Leblanc said. "Three quarters believe that the number of elected officials is slowing decision making, action and the completion of major projects. This is a view we share. Respecting deadlines and budgets requires simplified governance. Reviewing the powers of central services is essential to correcting the situation. According to the survey results, the public prefers avenues such as reducing the number of boroughs and eliminating borough mayors to address the problem."

"Finally, a very encouraging point in the survey results: Montrealers are proud of their city," Michel Leblanc said. "In spite of recent events such as the student crisis and scandals at City Hall, Montréal is worth every effort to restore its prestige. To accomplish this, the next mayor will have to put in place a solid plan for promoting Montréal and better showcasing its assets as a business destination."

The survey was conducted by the firm Leger, from September 9 to 11, 2013, with a sample of 500 residents of Greater Montréal. It highlights metropolitan area residents' leading concerns among the four priorities areas identified by the Board of Trade. Consult the results by clicking here.

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.

SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: [phone], ext. 4042
[email protected]

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