Montreal is a beautiful city. I have been in a number of cities throughout Canada before, and I can say that Montreal is indeed one of the most exciting, cultural and lively cities in not only Canada, but also in North America. It is mainly due to the fact that it has a special flavour of its own— Ji-won Lee, Korea, Sauvé Scholar 2004-2005
Introduction to the Sauvé Manual for 2005-2006 Sauvé Scholars
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
The island-city of Montreal,- second largest francophone city in the world – is often called the Paris of North America. Located in the St Lawrence River, Montreal owes much of its international character and vibrancy to its strategic position as an important inland port and transportation hub. The 18th century provincial French town was transformed into a flourishing center of trade and hub of financial activity in the 19th century, culminating in the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Great fortunes were made, the city expanded, impressive residences were built at the foot of Mount Royal, and wealthy businessmen endowed many of Montreal’s iconic institutions.
© Environment Canada's Biosphère
The defining milestone of the 20th century for Montreal was the International Exhibition of 1967 (expo 67), which brought the world to the city and showcased Montreal – and Canadian –creativity in architecture, design, engineering, the arts, technology and cinematography. In the early 1960s, the city exploded with new infrastructure, notably the Metro, the concert hall/theater complex of Place des arts and the beginnings of the “Underground city” with its vast network of corridors and shopping promenades.
A 21st century international city that is home to more than 60 international organizations, Montreal welcomes some 17,000 foreign students from about 165 countries, hosts 85 consulates general, consulates and commercial delegations. The 3.5 million inhabitants speak French, English and often more languages. The restaurants and performing arts mirror the cultural riches of the population, and with over 40 festivals each year, there is entertainment for every taste and wallet.
- A knowledge-based economy supported by 11 institutions of higher learning including four universities
- The top-performing Canadian metropolitan area in terms of overall R&D performance of businesses and universities
- Key industrial clusters of 21st century technology:
Aerospace, headquarters of the Canadian Space Agency, UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association(IATA)
Life sciences - 630 companies, including 150 public and parapublic research organizations.
Information and communication technologies - Home of the Cirque de Soleil, National Theatre School, Montreal Symphony Orchestra , Cité du Cinéma and National Circus School
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
Useful Links
Discovering Montreal & Living in Montreal
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Centraide of Greater Montreal - network of community agencies and projects
As part of the external Speakers Program, Sauvé Scholars attend conferences and events organized in Montreal by:
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
The Institute for Research on Public Policy
