Quebec politicians are pitching Montreal as the "logical" choice to headquarter a new multinational defence bank that will finance defence projects for NATO members and allies.
The federal government announced on April 29 that Canada has been selected to host the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal are all competing to be the host city for the institution.
Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville told reporters that Montreal is the natural choice because of its strong financial and defence industries and because it hosts dozens of international organizations. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada touted the city's skilled workforce, its universities and the fact that many citizens speak multiple languages.
The Quebec politicians mostly declined to comment on a report that Toronto officials have been lobbying for their city by raising the threat of a potential Quebec sovereignty referendum.
Martinez Ferrada cited a recent multibillion-dollar deal between AirAsia and Mirabel, Que.-based Airbus Canada as evidence that companies are not shying away from investing in Quebec.
