Montreal business lobby calls for regulatory cuts and decade-long investment plan
Montreal chamber of commerce released policy wishlist Wednesday ahead of October provincial elections, urging tax relief and public infrastructure assessment.
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The Montreal Chamber of Commerce released its policy recommendations Wednesday, outlining priorities for the next provincial government ahead of the October 5 election.
Among the business lobby's top demands are cutbacks in regulations, tax relief for businesses, public contract allocation toward innovation, and a full inventory and assessment of public infrastructure. The chamber also called for a multi-government commitment to decade-long investments in Greater Montreal, which it noted accounts for more than half of Quebec's economic output.
Isabelle Dessureault, the chamber's president and CEO, framed the investment call as essential for all of Quebec. "Strengthening Montreal is not just a Montreal project. It is a Quebec project," she said in releasing the whitepaper. "A strong metropolis, a strong national capital, and strong regions do not cancel each other out—they reinforce one another."
The recommendations follow consultations with businesses, academic experts, and community and cultural stakeholders. The chamber is hosting a debate with all party leaders on September 24, giving the competing political visions a direct platform. Party leaders will present their own positions before Quebecers vote on October 5.
What specific tax relief measures and regulatory cutbacks is the chamber proposing?
What infrastructure assessment priorities does the chamber recommend for the inventory?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When is the Quebec provincial election?
The Quebec provincial election is on October 5.
What are the Montreal Chamber of Commerce's main policy demands?
The Montreal Chamber of Commerce is calling for regulatory cutbacks, tax relief for businesses, public contract allocation toward innovation, and a full inventory and assessment of public infrastructure.
When is the chamber hosting a debate with party leaders?
The Montreal Chamber of Commerce is hosting a debate with all party leaders on September 24.
