A multilingual metropolis in North America and the second largest city in Canada, Montréal takes pride in its roots and cosmopolitan character. Montréal is open to the world and cherishes its diversity while fostering values of inclusion and respect. The city provides security and safety for its citizens and visitors while fostering a feeling of belonging: it was recently voted the safest city to travel in North America. In other words: welcome.
A city acknowledging its history
Montréal’s municipal flag is an example of the diversity of its origins. To reflect a more nuanced representation of the city’s narrative, in 2017 the flag was updated. Along four symbols that represent the four main European settlers, a white pine tree was added, representing the continual presence of First Nations Indigenous peoples, specifically using a symbol that is central to the Haudenosaunee/Iroquois peoples. Learn more about the Montréal flag here.
As part of the movement towards reconciliation, Montréal, like many Canadian cities, is beginning to address the removal of Indigenous cultures and highlight their part in the past, present and future of the city. Montréal is seeking to become a ‘cultural mediator,’ focusing upon widening and democratizing access to culture for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, origins or geography.
A city of inclusivity
While the majority of residents in Montréal are francophones (that is, speak French as their first language), nearly 33% of residents are born abroad and have relocated to Montréal. Many of those peoples come from other French-speaking parts of the world, such as Algeria or Haiti. But Montréal also is home to immigrants and refugees from every country in the world. Visitors will see the cultural mosaic of Montréal displayed across the city in public art, community-based initiatives, diverse festivals, and, of course, the city’s enviable food scene.
Montréal is part of several initiatives, such as the Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination and the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, under the aegis of UNESCO. The inclusion model extends to LGTBQ2+, Indigenous Peoples, religious beliefs, as well as ethnic and visible minorities. Here are some tips to help make your events more gender inclusive.
A city of safety
The nature of inclusivity is a spirit of welcome and safety for all, no matter colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation or any such differentiators. In Montréal difference is more than accepted — it’s celebrated! It makes travelling here easy and safe, whether solo or as a group.
Everyone is invited to get the most out of the city that, as mentioned above, was recently voted the safest city to travel in North America. Holidu voted Montréal the safest city in the world for solo women to travel, and to strengthen its commitment to ensuring the safety of women and girls, Montréal has participated in the UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global FPI since 2019. Out Traveler also decreed Canada one of the world’s 7 best countries for LGBTQ+ visitors to explore. Here are more tips on ensuring your LGBTQ+ attendees feel welcome.
A city of events
For four years in a row, Montréal has topped the Union of International Associations’ annual list of top host cities for international events in the Americas. The leading edge keeps Montréal in first place amongst some major event host cities like New York, Washington, Toronto, Vancouver and Boston.
Montréal has it all for events: world-class facilities, entertainment, sustainability, unforgettable food… and that unique je ne sais quoi that makes it exceed expectations. Among Montréal’s draws are its affordability (even now, it maintains one of the lowest costs of living among the country’s major cities), making Montréal is a welcoming context for international citizens looking to reinvent their work-life balance. It was also ranked one of the continent’s top 5 most open cities.
Openness here is a way of life. Whoever you are, we’re rolling out the red carpet!
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