Montréal, métropole de talent: Results of a socio-economic study on Montréal by the OECD

MONTRÉAL, June 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mayor of Montréal, Mr. Denis Coderre, and Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mr. Angel Gurrìa, announced the results of a socio-economic study carried out by the OECD on the metropolis of Québec: Montréal, métropole de talent.

The study by the OECD examines Montréal's performance using an international comparison chart involving 18 cities members of the OECD. It paints a picture of the actions carried out in various socio-economic fields and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Montréal economy along with certain achievements and challenges. The study proposes a structured course of action that uses an ambitious strategy to help the Montréal economy achieve its full potential.

The course of action includes:

1. Maintaining the development of small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs) by harmonizing support policies.
2. Providing assistance to innovation in the local economy.
3. Improving the level of qualification of Montrealers.
4. Integrating immigrants into employment.
5. Improving the demand for skills of local enterprises.

"I would like to thank Mr. Gurrìa and his team from the OECD for the analysis they have conducted on Montréal over the past year. Thanks to this study, Montréal now has new benchmarks to achieve its full potential, and more. Based on world-class innovation, a diversified economy and innovative start-up companies in emerging sectors, the metropolis is now part of the big leagues," said Mayor Coderre.

"Montreal is a bastion of creative dynamism and one of the engines of the Canadian economy. But there is still a lot to be done in the areas of employment, productivity and inclusive growth. Progress will only be achieved by harnessing skills and talent. A comprehensive strategy, which brings together local stakeholders and levels of government would need not only to develop skills, but also to ensure that they are fully used by businesses", said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría.

According to this study, Montréal's strong leadership can help to promote the implementation of an overall strategy, by playing a more important role in mobilizing local, political and socio-economic key players and by following an ambitious transformation agenda as regards public action. A status of metropolis could promote an integrated framework, which would involve these key players in a common strategy. This could translate into a series of specific and coordinated actions aimed at economic development, innovation, education, technical and professional education and training, the labour market and immigration.

Last March, Montréal joined another initiative supported by the OECD, the Inclusive Growth in Cities Campaign, which establishes that cities play an active role in making inclusive growth a reality. This involves re-examining how our policies are developed to make sure that growth and equity are treated as goals that reinforce one another.

"The study shows that like many other metropolises of the world, Montréal must be given specific attention as part of Québec's economic ecosystem. Cities that enjoy the status of metropolis have more flexibility to develop their independence and meet economic and social challenges. It is in this context that we are carrying out discussions with the government of Québec," said Mayor Coderre.

To consult the study Montréal métropole de talent (french version only), please visit oeced.org/employment/leed.

For more information on the Inclusive Growth in Cities Campaign, please visit: http://bit.ly/1XkBp8j.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Source: Marc-André Gosselin, Attaché de presse, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, 514 290-1194; Information: François Goneau, Relationniste, Service des communications, 514 868-5859