Video gaming in Greater Montréal:
A thriving world-class industry
Despite current economic turbulence, recent studies demonstrate that Québec's video game industry should continue to grow in the coming years.
The high level of confidence among Québec’s video game sector can be explained by the positive outlook for the industry worldwide. According to a June 2008 study entitled Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2008-2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts global video game sales to post annual compound growth of 10.3% through 2012. Commenting on this phenomenon, Martin Walker, Chief Technology Officer at Montréal-based A2M, noted that even in the current climate of economic uncertainty, video games offer excellent entertainment value for money, as a player accesses many hours of fun for just $50.In its November 2008 Consumer Spending Indicator Study, NPD Market Research reported that 35% of U.S. respondents described video game purchases as the least likely to be affected by the economic downturn due to the "cocooning effect". The latest figures posted by NPD (December 11 and 15), confirm these predictions, since U.S. and Canadian video game sales grew by 22% and 36% respectively between January and November 2008, compared with the previous year.
Given this positive outlook, several major Montréal video game studios are continuing their expansion plans for the coming years. Ubisoft Montréal continues to work toward its goal of becoming the largest studio in the world, with the objective of increasing its staff from 1,800 to 3,000 by 2013. This desire to expand and the significant increase in foreign investment in Greater Montréal since 2000 (projects involving such firms as Electronic Arts, Eidos, VMC Game Labs, Cyanide and Javaground) reflects the competitive advantages of the area, specifically a large qualified labour pool, a broad range of training programs adapted to the industry's needs, competitive operating costs, and excellent tax incentives.
These latter include a refundable tax credit program for the production of multimedia titles. Since 80% of a video game's development budget is allocated to labour, this tax credit (up to 37.5% of eligible labour costs), can be a key factor in decision-making. According to Alain Toscan, CEO of Electronic Arts in Montréal, it is a combination of all these various factors that make Greater Montréal a centre of excellence and innovation for developing video games: "The complete package, i.e. the talent, the universities and the salaries, which are already highly competitive in North America even without the 37.5% tax credit, helps deflect major upheavals during a downturn in economic activity."
The fifth annual Montréal International Game Summit held on November 18-19, 2008 helped further position the gaming industry and its image for the future, with a high potential for growth. This event featured over 100 speakers from seven countries, and offered close to one hundred sessions for the 1,500 professionals in attendance. Alliance Numérique released a positioning study on the Québec video game industry on the international scene. According to this study, conducted by the firm Secor-Taktik, the video game sector in Québec now accounts for over 6,000 jobs (of whom 4,400 are developers, a significant expansion from 500 developers in 2000). The study also demonstrates that 80% of this talent pool is concentrated in the Montréal area. Quebec’s important cluster of developers ranks sixth in the world, after Japan, California, South Korea, United Kingdom and Washington State. On a per capita basis, Québec ranks third in the world, with a concentration of 54 developers per hundred thousand residents.
The diversified structure of Québec’s gaming industry is suited for meeting major global challenges. Key features include an increasing diversity in types of games, the appearance of new platforms, and the significant expansion of the consumer base. Québec companies are active in developing console/PC games (3,300 jobs), in games for mobile platforms (600 jobs) and online games (250 jobs). Québec also boasts significant capacity in related services, such as testing, quality assurance and localization, and technology suppliers (specialized in interactive games), production services, creative services and support services employ another 2,000 people in Québec.
With its active response to the strong demand for qualified labour, the academic and learning community represents another key asset of this Montréal industry. In the fall of 2008, the National Animation and Design Centre (NAD Centre) welcomed the first class of students enrolled in the newly-designed Certificate in 3D Animation and Digital Design. Other public and private institutions, including Ubisoft Campus, ICARI, Inter-Dec College, the Institut national de l’image et du son (INIS) and Musitechnic are also deeply involved in training new generations of highly skilled workers.
Over the years, the expertise and creativity of Greater Montréal's video game sector has been proven through the stunning success of several games, including Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, Prince of Persia, NHL 2007 and Boogie. Success breeds further success: Universal Pictures is now planning to bring to the big screen the video game Army of Two, developed by Electronic Arts in Montréal. This was the fifth most popular game for Xbox 360 in 2008, registering sales of over $100 M since its March release.
Investments in the
high-tech sectors
In late October 2008, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a world leader in the design, manufacture and maintenance of aerospace engines, unveiled two major investments in Greater Montréal:
- First, on October 20, P&WC announced plans to invest $360 M in its R&D activities in Longueuil over the next three years. The Québec government's decision to grant the company $125 M in financial aid over this same period provided the trigger for this project. This contribution is repayable in royalties on sales. P&WC wants to use this money to bolster its technological expertise, which will be needed in the construction of a new generation of engines that are more ecologically friendly, economical, high-performance and durable. Press release >>>
- Also, on October 27, P&WC announced a five-year, $575.3 M investment to create a world-class ultra-modern aeronautical centre at the Montréal-Mirabel International Airport and in its other facilities. The Québec government's contribution to these projects, which should create 565 jobs, is of $141.9 M. The new 300,000 sq. ft. centre, which will open in fall 2009, will concentrate mainly on the final assembly and testing of new PW800 engines. According to Alain Bellemare, President – P&WC and Executive Vice-president – P&WC Group Strategy & Development, "Bombardier's decision to assemble its CSeries planes in Mirabel was a determining factor in the decision to also assign to Mirabel the final assembly and testing of the PW1524G engines for these aircraft." Press release >>>
On December 4, 2008, EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services, opened a new office in Montréal, on the site of the National Research Council of Canada Institute for Aerospace Research (NRC-IAR). EADS' objective in partnering with the NRC is to bolster its cooperation with Canada's research and technological development (R&TD) community in the area of aerospace, and to contribute to high-skilled job development in Québec and Canada. Both organizations are currently working on two projects: the first on friction stir welding techniques, and the second on drilling carbon-fibre reinforced composites. Press release >>>
On November 19, 2008, CAE, a world leader in simulation and modelling technologies, and integrated training solutions for civil aviation and defence, confirmed its intention to recruit some 250 people in various sectors: engineering, information technology, administration, aeronautic trades and training. On November 26, 2008, CAE organized a Career Day to enable candidates to become familiar with the company's activities. Note that CAE was named the 2008 Company of the Year by the business weekly Les Affaires. Press release >>>
On November 10, 2008, the French company AMESYS, a specialist in secure and critical systems architecture, particularly for the aeronautical, telecommunications, transportation, security and energy sectors, set up operations in Montréal with the aim of breaking into the North American market. The company, which received support from Montréal International to set up in the Greater Montréal area, plans to hire around one hundred engineers over the next five years. William Mallol, Vice-president of AMESYS Canada, stated that, “All the technical skills found in the region, the synergy with Montréal universities and the technological infrastructure already in place are factors that will support our company’s growth,” he added.
Press release >>>
On October 21, 2008, Avanquest Software, one of the world's leading software publishers for professionals and consumers, announced the opening of its Canadian subsidiary in the heart of Montréal. A research and development centre, the new subsidiary will further strengthen the Group's R&D teams located in France, the United States and China. The Group's objective is to have a staff of approximately 100 engineers within the next three years by recruiting 15 members in 2008, increasing that number to 50 by the end of 2009 and then to 100 by the end of the third year. "Montréal International, an organization dedicated to the economic promotion and development of Greater Montréal, supported us in this project and showed us the benefit of a facility in Québec’s largest city with a large, highly skilled bilingual population, strong cultural ties with the United States and France, and competitive wages which were all key determining factors in making our decision.” explained Roger Politis, co-founder of Avanquest Software and Managing Director in charge of the Group’s Research & Development.
On October 24, 2008, Autodesk and Avid Technology announced that Avid had agreed to sell its majority holding in the Softimage group to Autodesk for an amount of about US$35 M. Softimage is a company specialized in developing 3D animation technology for the film, television and video game industries. For its part, Autodesk Media Entertainment offers animation, visual effects, editing/finishing and colour calibration solutions for the 3D market. This acquisition will accelerate Autodesk's game strategy and complement its range of digital entertainment and visual communications products. Autodesk and Softimage employ over 400 people in Greater Montréal. Press release >>>
On october 17, 2008, Miranda Technologies, a designer, manufacturer and international distributor of high-performance hardware and software for the television broadcasting industry, initiated expansion work at its Montréal head office. The facilities' surface area will increase by 55%, bringing it to a total of 94,000 sq. ft. The work, representing an $8 M investment, will be completed by summer 2009 and provide Miranda with more space for its production and R&D activities. According to Laval Demers, Saint-Laurent borough counsellor, "Miranda is a perfect example of the combination of knowledge, creativity and innovation that have made Montréal an international success." Press release >>>
On October 22, 2008, Quebecor Media and its subsidiary Vidéotron, announced their intention to invest between $800 M and $1 B over four years to install their own advanced wireless telecommunications network. The various components of the investment required to build the new HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network include the cost of acquiring the spectrum and operating licences, the network construction and the operating start-up costs. This project should create some 1,000 jobs at Vidéotron, and a further 100 or so at its suppliers. The network commissioning is scheduled within the next 12-18 months. Press release >>>
During the last quarter, TELUS, one of Canada's largest telecommunications companies, made three major investments in Greater Montréal:
- On October 8, 2008, TELUS announced that it would invest $33 M in a green Internet data centre in Laval. The centre's power supply system will be able to generate up to 6 MVA, i.e. enough power for over 5,000 homes. The facilities will have Level III certification from the Uptime Institute (reliability of the best data centres) and be designed according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. The new 44,500 sq. ft building will be ready to welcome new clients in 2010. Press release >>>
- On October 9, 2008, TELUS announced a $1.6 M investment to set up a training plan and create 149 new jobs within the company's Québec technical support team. Emploi-Québec is contributing $405,000 to this project. With the commercialization of increasingly varied and complex equipment and functions, TELUS wants to improve the technical knowledge of its staff. Note that, in 2007, TELUS invested approximately $4.75 M in learning activities for 5,000 members of its Québec team. Press release >>>
- On November 18, 2008, TELUS announced an investment of $100 M over three years in the healthcare field by launching a new brand: TELUS Health Solutions. This innovation represents a unique combination of technology, expertise and resources that will help transform the way in which information is used in the healthcare sector. TELUS Health Solutions uses the expertise of Emergis, a Montréal company acquired by TELUS for $763 M in January 2008. François Côté, former CEO of Emergis, will be heading this new entity. Press release >>>
On October 6, 2008, the Québec government began the construction of an integrated cancer centre in the Cité de la santé de Laval. This project is made possible by an investment of $37.4 M. The 7,000 sq m. facilities scheduled to open in 2011 will include 6 radio-oncology treatment rooms, 22 chemotherapy treatment bays and a radiation therapy room. Press release >>>
On November 19, 2008, Ambrilia Biopharma, a Montréal biotech company that develops new treatments for viral diseases and cancer, announced that it was planning to considerably reduce its activities in France and was contemplating consolidation of all its activities at its Verdun head office (Montréal). This decision will focus primarily on preserving access to the company's financial resources in 2009 and would affect eight permanent employees currently located in France. Press release >>>
On December 12, 2008, the Québec government announced financial assistance of $6.4 M for 37 research infrastructure projects in Québec universities and hospitals. These projects were selected by the Leaders Opportunity Fund, a program co-funded by the Québec government and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The Québec government's contribution represents nearly 40% of the total cost of the projects ($16.8 M). A total of 27 education network projects were selected, for a total investment of $12.8 M, and 10 healthcare network projects, for a total investment of over $4 M. Note that 23 projects were presented by 5 university institutions located in Greater Montréal. Press release >>>
On December 1, 2008, Shell Global Solutions International, a subsidiary of the Shell energy giant, announced that it was acquiring all the equity in Cansolv Technologies, a Montréal supplier of air pollution control technology (e.g. carbon dioxide capture process (CO²)). In making this purchase, Shell Global Solutions International hopes to develop new gas processing capacity to meet the increasing demand for extraction of oil substitutes, such as natural gas. None of the jobs at the Cansolv Technologies Montréal and Shenzhen, China offices should be affected by this change. Press release >>>
On November 3, 2008, BRANCHEZ-VOUS!, a Montréal leader in Web advertising and content, finalized the acquisition of NetWorldMedia, one of the main interactive advertising networks in Canada, which offers contextual and behavioural targeting capacities. BRANCHEZ-VOUS! issued 30 million common shares to fund its 100% purchase of NetWorldMedia. The total cost of the transaction is estimated at $4.7 M. NetWorldMedia boosts the activities of BRANCHEZ-VOUS! since it represents approximately 250 websites that receive over 9 million hits a month from Canada overall, including 5.5 million from Québec. Press release >>>
On October 1, 2008, Ship2Save, a leader in RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) business solutions, announced that it had completed the expansion of its Montréal head office, and that it was currently equipping its new RFID solutions testing laboratory with the latest technology. The new laboratory configuration will help the company meet the growing demand for RFID technologies. Also, the laboratory will serve as a centralized platform for the sale of RFID products and solutions from various partners. The RFID market is estimated at over $5 B for 2008 and should grow to nearly five times this figure by 2013. Press release >>>
On November 27, 2008, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, a start up capital investment fund, which manages the savings of Quebecers, confirmed a $2 M investment in the venture capital fund Montréal Start Up, a specialist in start-up capital for entrepreneurs in the new technologies sector. As a result of this contribution, Montréal Start Up subsequently announced investments in four Montréal companies: Mobilize Central, KeenKong, The Book Oven and Oneeko. In addition to the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Montréal Start Up can rely on other front-line partners, such as Investissement Québec, the Conférence Régionale des Élus de Montréal and some 20 successful Montréal entrepreneurs and investors. Press release >>>
Investments in other
strategic sectors
On December 2, 2008, EFG International, an international private banking group providing private banking and asset management services, announced the opening of a Montréal office to continue the development of its operations network in Canada. Initially, this will comprise a team of two Client Relationship Officers and will build on existing operations in Toronto and Vancouver. EFG International has been in Canada for a little over one year, following the acquisition of Bull Wealth Management in October 2007. The EFG International Group is currently operating from 55 sites in over 30 countries and has some 2,200 employees. Press release >>>
On November 4, 2008, the TMX Group, born from the merger of the Montréal and Toronto stock exchanges in May 2008, announced that some 30 new highly specialized jobs would be created at the Montréal office over a period of 14 months. The Group wants to hire computer engineers and systems architects, and compensation and risk management specialists in order to help the group launch new derivative instruments that could potentially earn over $10 M in new revenue per year. The main subsidiaries of the TMX Group deal with the cash and derivative instrument markets covering numerous asset categories, including equity, fixed-income securities and energy products. Press release >>>
On December 5, 2008, GENIVAR, a front-line Canadian engineering-consulting firm, acquired DDH Environment, a Montréal company specialized in environmental management and the anaysis and rehabilitation of contaminated land. This acquisition will enhance GENIVAR's environmental expertise. DDH Environment has 30 employees in its Montréal offices; its clients include Pratt & Whitney Canada, Canadian National, CanTerm Canadian Terminals, Canadian Pacific Railway, PPG Canada, Hydro-Québec and the Canadian Coast Guard. Press release >>>
On October 30, 2008, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ invested $30 M in Montrusco Bolton Investments, a portfolio manager whose main place of business is in Montréal. This 25% holding in Montrusco Bolton Investments returns control of the company to Québec and facilitates its future expansion projects. The company is working on developing a new category of funds that will enable it to diversify its services. Press release >>>
On October 20, 2008, the Québec government announced new measures worth $155 M for improving the public transit network. Starting in January 2009, using part of this investment, the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) will add 80 departures a week to its Deux-Montagnes, Dorion-Rigaud, Saint-Hilaire and Delson-Candiac regional commuter train lines. This action will result in 61,000 new seats a week on Montréal regional commuter trains. In order to improve the quality of services offered to new users, AMT will also add 2,000 extra parking spaces. Press release >>>
On November 26, 2008, the City of Montréal presented its 2009 Budget as well as a Three-year 2009-2011 Capital Works Program. Here are some of the highlights:
- In order to stimulate economic growth, the City plans to earmark a record $146 M for the Fonds d'investissement pour la réalisation de grands projets, which is a 13% increase over 2008. Moreover, according to the three-year 2009-2011 capital works program, $429.7 M will also be invested in this fund. The major projects planned for 2009 include the Quartier des spectacles, the Outremont campus, the McGill University Health Centre – Glen Site, the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, the former mail sorting office on Ottawa Street, the Gare-Hôtel Viger, the Montréal Harbourfront, the revitalization of the Acadie-Chabanel sector, etc.
- $609 M will be granted in 2009 to the renovation and modernization of water and road infrastructures.
- Huge funds will be invested in the public library network, sports equipment and parks.
- $332 M will be granted to the Société de transport de Montréal to improve public transit methods and increase staff.
- Acquisition and preservation plans for natural settings and various projects for collecting green waste and composting domestic waste will be implemented in 2009.
- The City will also invest in culture and heritage protection as seen in the following projects: restoration of the cross on Mount Royal, restoration of the fort on Ile Sainte-Hélène and illumination of several new buildings in Old Montréal. Press release >>>
On October 27, 2008, the City of Montréal announced an investment of $22.6 M to support the revitalization and development of 28 commercial thoroughfares in Montréal. The City will invest $11.6 M over four years on top of the $11 M budget (out of a total of $ 140 M) already allocated to it by the Québec government to support the Montréal 2025 plan. This investment is part of the success@montréal Program, business component. According to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Raymond Bachand, the commitment to "make Montréal one of the most dynamic cities in North America requires concrete action. We recognize the importance of our city, and, with these investments, we will do everything necessary for it to reach its full potential." Press release >>>
On October 24, 2008, the Québec government, the City of Montréal and private partners announced the final financing plan for the cultural building located at 2-22 Sainte-Catherine East which will be an integral part of Montréal's new Quartier des spectacles. The construction of this building will require an investment of $16.5 M. Of this amount, $5 M will come from the $140 M budget granted by the Québec government to the City of Montréal to support its development strategy Montréal 2025 Imagining - Building. The City has already invested $2.5 M in the project, and the remaining amount, estimated at $9 M, will come from private partners. Construction will start in May 2009. Press release >>>
On November 2, 2008, the Québec government unveiled in Montréal its plan d'action gouvernemental pour l'entrepreneuriat collectif. The plan includes a total investment of $16.7 M. Nine departments with an economic or social vocation participated in developing this plan. To intervene directly in the Montréal area, the Québec government will set aside $4.25 M to support certain actions that focus on the social economy. According to the task force's document, there are 3,590 establishments on the Island of Montéal involved in the social economy, including 2,360 employers and 61,500 paid employees (excluding the major employers Desjardins and Coop fédérée). Press release >>>
On November 25, 2008, on the 25th anniversary of the Centre d’histoire de Montréal, the City of Montréal announced an investment of over $3 M to preserve this prestigious building in the historical borough of Old Montréal. The Centre d’histoire de Montréal, in Place d’Youville, traces the history of the City of Montréal. Its main focus is the City's material and cultural heritage. In addition to the renovations, which will continue until fall 2009, archaeological digs will take place beforehand, given the enormous potential of Place d’Youville. Press release >>>
In late October 2008, the Société de développement du boulevard Saint-Laurent (SDBSL) confirmed that it had commissioned ILITOO NA, a specialist in close-proximity communications, to install the largest Wi-Fi network in Québec on Saint-Laurent Blvd., between Sherbrooke St. and Mont-Royal Ave. Visitors could also use Bluetooth technology through interactive terminals installed along the boulevard. The installation of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks should be completed in 2013. Press release >>>
Government support for
the automobile industry
On December 20, 2008, the Canadian and the Ontario governments announced that Export Development Canada (EDC) would be granting loans worth $4 B to General Motors of Canada Limited and Chrysler Canada Inc. (subject to certain conditions). The federal government will also take two measures to support the competitiveness of the automobile industry. First, EDC will grant automobile parts manufacturers increased access to a customer account insurance that will offset the restricted access to credit. Second, the federal government will implement a new mechanism that will facilitate consumers' access to credit. This mechanism will improve the accessibility of car loans and financing offered by dealerships.
Press release >>>
The Québec government
announces new measures
to support companies
On December 17, 2008, the Québec government published its new Renfort program to inject one billion dollars into funding companies and thus counter the negative effects of the credit crunch. Investissement Québec, which will administer the program, will grant up to $250 M in direct funding in the form of loans. The support will also take the form of loan guarantees on a maximum of $750 M in loans granted by financial institutions. It is mainly for successful companies, especially SMBs, whose cash flow problems are temporary and primarily due to the current economic and financial conditions. Financial interventions will vary from $250,000 to $15 M. The Renfort program will help companies meet their working capital needs, purchase equipment and refinance their debt.
Press release Renfort Program >>>
Fincancing the start-up
of the clean technologies cluster
On November 27, 2008, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) announced a grant of $100,000 to the new clean technologies cluster in the goal of mobilizing the industry and thereby stimulating the business competitiveness of this key sector of Greater Montréal and the province of Québec. The CMM, the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation (MDEIE), the Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions (MAMR),the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique and other partners will invest a total of $300,000 in the start-up of this cluster. This funding will enable the cluster to draw up a business plan and a development plan. The project, scheduled to take ten months, will culminate in a mobilization forum of the cluster's stakeholders. In 2002, the Québec clean technologies industry accounted for some 1,600 companies and over 34,000 jobs. 60% of the sector's activities are concentrated in Greater Montréal. Press release >>>
Standard & Poor’s awards
an A+ credit rating
to the City of Montréal
On October 17, 2008, Standard & Poor’s announced that it was maintaining the A+ credit rating awarded to the City of Montréal. This decision was based on the strong economic performance posted in 2007, on a high surplus after capital expenditure, on a sufficiently large liquidity and on the operating surpluses achieved over the past five years. Note that Standard & Poor’s could upgrade the City's credit rating if it continues along the same road and reduces its debt. As a general rule, a high credit rating means that the City of Montréal gains easier access to the capital market and advantageous financing conditions. Press release >>>
The world civil society to gather
in Montréal in 2009, 2010 and 2011
Montréal will host major international gatherings, the CIVICUS World Assembly, from 2009 to 2011. The Institut du Nouveau Monde was selected by the international organization CIVICUS (World Alliance for Citizen Participation) to organize the next three world assemblies. 1000 delegates from some 100 countries and from every sector, including NGOs and the business world, will gather at the Palais des congrès in Montréal. The first assembly, to be held August 28-31, 2009, will provide a platform for submitting proposals and action plans to strengthen civil society and citizenship around the world. A parallel gathering of the world's youth will unite 300 young people from every corner of the globe.
Two rankings recognize
the excellence of
Montréal universities
- On October 9, 2008, the QS Quacquarelli Symonds network, the world leader specialized in careers and teaching, and the Times Higher Education jointly launched an exhaustive website on high-level jobs for graduates, news and resources for university students, and its 2008 ranking of the 200 best universities in the world. This ranking is a composite indicator that integrates peer review, opinion and quantitative data. Two Montréal universities did well in this list. First, McGill University ranked 20th and is among the world's top 25 universities for the fifth year running. Second, Université de Montréal ranked 91st, up from 93rd in 2007. Note that Montréal is the only Canadian city and one of the few cities in the world with a French-language university and more than one university in the 100 best universities in the world. THE-QS Rankings >>>
- On November 10, 2008, the Maclean’s magazine published the 18th edition of its annual ranking of the best Canadian universities. For the fourth year running, McGill University ranked 1st among the 15 best universities in Canada in the Medical Doctoral category. Université de Montréal ranked 13th. In the Comprehensive category ranking, focusing on the universities that have a significant amount of research activity and a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including professional degrees, Concordia University ranks 11th. The magazine's ranking is based on several performance indicators, including student-faculty ratio, grants, total amounts dedicated to research, operating budgets, scholarships and student services. Maclean’s ranking >>>
The Port of Montréal posts
strong growth in 2008
- On November 5, 2008, the Port of Montréal posted the results of its activities after three quarters. From January to September 2008, the cumulative growth of container traffic in the Port of Montréal was 10.1% up from the same period last year. Accordingly, a total of 10.1 million tonnes transited the port during the first three quarters of 2008. These good results were confirmed by data from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for the first eight months of 2008, which show that the Port of Montréal posted the strongest growth among all of its North American competitors, including Halifax and Vancouver. Indeed, four of the Port of Montréal's seven eastern seaboard competitors posted negative growth. Press release >>>
- Since November 19, 2008, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has operated a weekly container ship link between Montréal and Valencia, Spain. This new service will contribute to the Port of Montréal's growth, since Valencia is a major port for the transhipment cargo from the Mediterranean basin and from Asia, via the Suez Canal. Patrice M. Pelletier, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority specified that "For the Port of Montréal, this is proof that our strategic advantages, such as the shortest transit times with Europe, our location 1,600 kilometres inland and the existence of a highly efficient intermodal rail system, represent real advantages for shippers. " Press release >>>
Increased collaboration between
Québec and New York State
in research and innovation
As part of the 4th Québec-New York Economic Summit, Québec's Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) and the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) signed a three-year collaborative agreement covering research and innovation. The five main areas targeted by the agreement are energy and the environment, health and life sciences, nanotechnologies and advanced materials, information and communications technology, and optical photonics. The agreement mentions plans to issue joint requests for proposals, including one within the next twelve months.
Canada and Brazil sign a
scientific cooperation agreement
On November 17, 2008, Canada and Brazil signed the Canada-Brazil Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation, in areas of common interest such as aerospace, agriculture, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology, and renewable energy development. Under the terms of this agreement, Canada will invest $1.5 M over the next two years to cover the costs (up to a maximum of 50%) of agreements and contracts between companies, governments, universities and scientific and research institutes in Canada and Brazil. In 2007, Brazil became the seventh largest source of direct foreign investment in Canada, with an equity holding valued at $12.8 B. Press release >>>
Canada and the European Union
signed a comprehensive
air carrier agreement
On December 9, 2008, Canada and the European Union finalized an open skies air carrier agreement. This future cooperation covers the development of unrestricted, direct air services between Canada and member nations of the European Union, including more flexible prices and improved freight flexibility. The agreement also includes eight member nations of the European Union (Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia) with which Canada had no prior air carrier agreement. This agreement, which is in line with Canada's Blue Sky policy and current Canadian legislation, is all the more important since the European Union is the second-largest bilateral market for Canada in terms of aviation, trade and investment. Press release >>>
Other news of interest
On December 18, 2008, the Belgian aerospace company Sonaca S.A., renamed its Canadian subsidiary Sonaca Montréal. This new identity is intended to highlight its installation, achievements and growth in Greater Montréal's aeronautical sector. "Our new identity underscores our feeling of belonging to the Montréal economic area, all the more since it coincides with the $17 M investment for the expansion and modernization of our plant," said Philippe Hoste, CEO of Sonaca Montréal. "Merging the names Sonaca and Montréal will help raise our profile and strengthen our position as a leader in the manufacture and assembly of aircraft wing panels in the global aeronautical industry. " Press release >>>
On December 3, 2008, Technopôle Angus, a business park located in Rosemont-Petite-Patrie, in Montréal, announced that in September 2008 the U.S. Green Building Council had granted its development plan the prestigious LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development) certification. The four evaluation criteria are as follows: site selection, access and services; neighbourhood layout and design; ecological technology and construction; and innovative design. The Technopôle Angus development plan is the first Canadian and Québec project to receive this certification, and only the second outside the United States, after the Olympic Village in Beijing. Press release >>>
On November 20, 2008, at a prizegiving ceremony in London, Frost & Sullivan, a world leading growth consulting company, named Bombardier Transportation as Company of the Year in the global rail market. According to Patrick Rehlein, Frost & Sullivan research analyst, "Design, development and manufacturing of rolling stock portfolio at competitive rates have underpinned this company's success. What is more impressive is Bombardier's commitment to sustainable mass transportation, which was highlighted through a series of BOMBARDIER ECO4 innovations presented at the recent InnoTrans fair in Berlin, some of which are first-in-industry," he added. Press release >>>
Tourists and residents in Greater Montréal now have access to a new user-friendly Web tool, developed by Google and Montréal, Laval and Longueuil transit corporations, to help plan their public transit trips and expenses. Easy to use, Google Maps calculates itineraries, including transfer and walking times, by compiling schedule data. Joël Gauthier, President and CEO of the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) said that it was "a major first for a French-speaking city," and that Google Maps was "an excellent showcase for promoting Montréal's public transit system to the world." Press release >>>
