Security. Iraq. Terrorism. Anti-war and anti-globalization demonstrations. It's dizzying. And it's on every news channel. Yet, a recent trip to Montreal reminded me that another side to this story is getting lost in the confusion; free trade leads to MORE security, world peace and balanced economic development.

Montreal, in fact, has stated in its city contract that it will promote its "positioning in the international scene and promote healthy and safe environments locally."

The goals Montreal is setting for itself are goals that fit in line with those who share the view that free trade, when carried out responsibly, makes the world a better place. Montreal brings that down to the city level and embraces this philosophy in its very charter. It is going to be a model city for the 21st century for sustainable growth, and encourage globalization.

Signs of Montreal's commitment to becoming a premier city in North America are everywhere. Gil R?llard, the Founder and President of the Conference de Montreal, makes the case for free trade in his annual conference. "Not to promote an ideology, but discussion" of globalization is the key to his annual conference.

This summit will give attendees access to the highest level decision-makers of free trade today. Attending this conference will give you the opportunity to discover and find the new trends in international business before they become policy. Mr. R?llard is clearly one of the leaders in promoting discussion between countries with the goal of free trade for all countries, and specifically free trade in the Americas. This conference is a result of his hard work to make this laudable goal of absolute free trade a reality.

When asked, Mr. R?llard is contributing much to world progress towards peace because he believes that "the freer the trade; the more security, peace and balanced economic development" throughout the world. Something one might modestly note contributes to the general welfare of all people.

The lineup of speakers this year is impressive-Lord Robertson of NATO and Donald Johnston, the Secretary General of the OECD, are set to speak, and they will be there to talk with you too if you come to this first-rate event in May. All set in the beautiful city of Montreal.

This city of Montreal is a great place for economic development too-the public transportation is excellent, and Montreal boasts of a bilingual work force. Its location provides great access to the Midwest and the North Atlantic, while offering great prices due to the Canadian dollar.

This geographical advantage also lends to the strength of the Port of Montreal. As Michel Turgeon, Director of Communications for the Port of Montreal, points out, the port allows clients to "maximize maritime" for shipments coming from Northern Europe into the East and Midwest U.S. and Canada, thus reducing costs. In addition, the intermodal connections are fantastic and the facilities are modern.

The port has also invested heavily in security. Even before 9/11, the port invested over $3 million in security features. Everything from fiber optic cables, to plasma screens to new lighting has been installed and the port continues to make security a priority. The Port of Montreal continues to offer clients the very best service for the North Atlantic market.

The city of Montreal sets an example for American cities to follow. Its focus on free trade is an achievable goal for all U.S. cities to follow, but only Montreal can offer the great location and unique habitants that make it so unique.

When considering new cities to locate in, ship through, or simply visit; mark Montreal as a priority. It's worthy of a visit for all free trade lovers.

Sidebar

While slower U.S. growth has dampened the pace of expansion in Canada, the recovery remains solid and the outlook still bright.

Unlike the Fed, the Bank of Canada is expressing far more concern about inflation than growth and appears anxious to pull the tightening trigger soon. We look for the next rate hike in April, far ahead of an unexpected Fed move in October.

Though most major currencies are up against a weak U.S. dollar, the Canadian dollar has outpaced most. Growth and interest rate concerns hit European currencies after the Bank of England's surprise rate cut, while central bank intervention has tempered the yen's rise.

Source: Bank of Montreal, "North American Outlook," February 2003