Le Montréal Magnifique

Montreal’s multicultural influences, like that of France, America and its homeland of Canada, give this city an old world meets new world charm.

A few years ago, Montreal was on the skids. Store after store stood empty, and houses on every block were à vendre (for sale). It was easy to forget that within recent memory, Montreal had reigned as the industrial and commercial capital of Canada.

The ups and downs of business affect all locales. But Montreal also feels the impact of the political cycle. With support for Quebec secession on the rise, uncertainty sent investment and growth away from the province and its major city.

Happily for business, if not for séparatistes-as secessionists are known, where breaking up is a polite political option-a 1995 referendum narrowly kept the status quo. Today, the economic and political cycles are in sync once again, and happily on the upswing.

More than 350 years old, the “new” Montreal-formed by the annexation of suburbs on its island in 2002-has suddenly grown to two million. It basks in the glow not only of its breathtaking beauty and fortunate placement, but also a low-cost business climate, multilingual sophistication, abundant amenities, developing high-tech industries and a booming business in meetings and conventions. Properties are rented, old banks and insurance companies have morphed into enchanting boutique hotels, and condos sprout to welcome urban pioneers along the banks of the once neglected LaChine Canal.

The city’s character

Imagine New York or Toronto with a Gallic populace. Residents would not only strive to make a living, but also perfect the art of living well. They’d conduct business in the languages of the world, and live in them, too. They’d pause for a break at sidewalk cafés for an aperitif, and rejuvenate at an urban spa before an evening out on always-lively streets. They’d probe the frontiers of the culinary arts, and dress to be seen. Someday, they’d be compared to Montreal.

It’s the mix, clash and-somehow-the perfect harmony of French and English, North America and Europe, tradition and change, work and leisure, old and new, refined culture and homespun tastes, that define Montreal.

French, English, and Montréalais

Only in Paris do more people speak French than in Montreal. And while there really are locals who don’t know much English, you probably won’t encounter them in business dealings, at the airport or in downtown restaurants and hotels. More likely, you’ll meet the Montrealer who earned college and graduate degrees in both English and French, or who speaks perfect American learned from television. In the trademark Montreal conversation, one party speaks entirely in French, the other in English-and each understands the other perfectly.

Just remember that in a province where many feel insecure about the survival of their language, French comes first--but if English is not proffered initially, it’s usually supplied with a smile upon request.

Knowing a few words in French is helpful, of course. Even better is to recognize Quebec’s own usage. Ask for la facture rather than l’addition when you’re ready for the bill in a restaurant, and for craquelins rather than biscuits salés (crackers) with your soup. But make no mistake, they watch films from Paris, and the use of even schoolbook French will be appreciated.

Oddly, the greater language barrier could be English. Crossovers from French are abundant and integrated seamlessly. While speakers may slow down in French for your benefit, no quarter is given when the local English dialect is used. Forget about “contact information,” and start thinking “coordinates.” The company you’re calling on has a “director general” or DG, not a CEO. And you’ll hear “eh” or “heh” instead of “huh,” written differently but pronounced the same in Montreal’s dominant languages.

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paul glassman is a freelance writer and guidebook editor in Montreal. Email Paul at editor@executivetravelmag.com.

Inside the Montreal Guide

Explore and share advice on:

• What to see and do in Montreal
• Getting there, getting around
  
• Recommended hotels in Montreal
• Restaurants in Montreal
• Entertaining clients in Montreal
• Side trips: Quebec City and Mont Tremblant

Required reading:

• Canada Resource Guide

• Canadian business etiquette by Nancy Branka
  
• Doing business in Canada by Amanda Joyce
  
• Riding the Canadian rails by Hilary Davidson

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Special thanks to the tourism and airport media relations staffs in Montreal for contributing information to sections of this resource guide.