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This kind o' thing is great to see - Canada needs far more of this, and far less petty regional sneering...
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Montreal, Toronto say 'Oui' to co-operation
Diversified cities speak same language in teaming up on mutual economic strategy
by Donovan Vincent
May 12, 2007
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/213125
Economic benefits are driving a new spirit of co-operation between Toronto and Montreal, and the sister city's mayor says language – the bugaboo of the past – won't be a roadblock.
"It's not a barrier anymore. People are realizing it's a competitive advantage" to speak more than one language, Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay told reporters at the close of the Toronto/Montreal Business Rendezvous 2007 yesterday.
The two-day working conference, organized by Ryerson University, brought industry leaders and representatives from business schools in both cities together to work on long-term economic strategies.
The cities have long been rivals. Toronto benefited from big business fleeing Montreal amid political uncertainty in Quebec. But now they're talking about co-operating for mutual gain.
Tremblay, speaking alongside Toronto Mayor David Miller, said the language debate that nearly tore the province apart and played a major role in Quebec's near-separation from Canada isn't something Montrealers talk about anymore.
"The fact we are bilingual, trilingual or even speaking four languages, that's the future," he said. "People have accepted it's important for us as citizens of the world to be able to communicate in the best way possible. We're working on what unites us."
Referring to Miller as his "partner," Tremblay said he wants to work with Toronto "to ensure we address the fundamental needs required for us to be more competitive on the world stage."
The first conference of its kind, Rendezvous identified four main initiatives to work on:
- Co-branding each other's cities to promote tourism;
- Educational and research exchanges;
- Developing human capital, especially integrating new immigrants into the workforce;
- Sharing best practices in areas like infrastructure, housing, transit and waterfront renewal.
Miller compared the cities to the Leafs and Canadiens, NHL titans in the '60s, but both shut out of this season's playoffs.
"If you look at Montreal and Toronto, we have similar strengths, but similar difficulties. Both cities need significant investment in transportation infrastructure, for example," Miller said. "Not to stretch the hockey analogy too far, but the right trade can sometimes benefit both teams."
Partnership, he said, offers an opportunity to enhance the economic strength of both cities.
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